How to Hide Likes on Instagram Posts

You can hide the like count on your own Instagram post, and you can separately hide like counts while looking at other posts. These are different controls. Hiding the count does not remove likes, and Instagram says you can still see the total on your own posts.

Use the post options to hide a count on content you have already shared. To change what you see across your feed, adjust the like and share counts setting.

What happens when you hide likes on Instagram?

Other people no longer see the public like total on the post where you hide it. The post remains available, and people can still like it. Instagram says you can still see the total number of likes on your own posts.

There are two separate choices. You can hide counts on your own posts, or hide counts on posts and reels you see. Changing the viewing setting does not change whether other people can see counts on your posts.

Your goal	Where to change it	What it affects
Hide the count on something you already shared	That post or reel’s options	Other viewers of that post
Hide the count before sharing	Advanced settings before you publish	Other viewers of that post
Hide counts as you browse	Like and share counts in Settings	What you see on other posts and reels

How do you hide likes on an Instagram post after sharing?

Open the post’s options and choose the control to hide its like count. The exact menu position or label can differ between versions of Instagram.

1. Open the post or reel on your profile.
2. Open its options menu.
3. Choose the option to hide the like count.

To show the count again, return to the post options and choose the option to unhide it. If the choice is not visible, consult Instagram’s current Help Center instructions for like counts.

Can you hide likes before publishing a post?

Yes. Instagram offers a setting on the final sharing screen. Before you publish, open Advanced settings and turn on the option to hide like and view counts for that post. Then return to the sharing screen and publish as usual.

This is a per post choice. Check the final screen each time if you want to control the count on a new post.

How do you hide like counts while browsing Instagram?

Change the Like and share counts setting in Instagram Settings. Instagram’s Help Center describes this as a separate setting for posts and reels you see. It changes your viewing experience, not the visibility setting on your own posts.

1. Open Settings in Instagram.
2. Under What you see, open Like and share counts.
3. Turn on Hide like and share counts.

Menu names can change. If these steps do not match your app, search the Help Center for “Hide or unhide like counts on Instagram posts and reels.”

When might hiding the count be useful?

It is a display preference, not a way to improve the post. You might hide the number if you prefer viewers to focus on the photo or video, or if you would rather not see popularity counts as you browse. Instagram introduced the option as a choice because people differ in what they want to see, as explained in its announcement about like count controls.

Hiding a count does not promise more reach or engagement. If you are reviewing performance, you can still look at your own post insights where available. For a related profile presentation question, see our guide to Instagram pinned comments. You can also browse Instagram services.

Frequently asked questions

Can I hide likes on one Instagram post?

Yes. Open that post’s options and choose the control to hide its like count.

Can I hide likes before I publish?

Yes. Open Advanced settings on the sharing screen and turn on the hide like and view counts option for that post.

Can I still see the likes on my own post?

Yes. Instagram says you can still see the total number of likes on your own posts.

Does hiding likes stop people from liking my post?

No. It hides the displayed count. The post remains available for people to like.

Does hiding counts on my feed hide them on my own posts?

No. Instagram provides a separate setting for counts you see and for counts on your own posts.

Bottom line

Use the post options to hide a count from other viewers, and Settings to hide counts while you browse. The controls are separate, reversible, and do not remove likes from your post.