Ever scroll through Instagram and feel like those **like counts are staring right back at you**? Like, you post something you love, but all you can think about is how many people are going to hit that heart button. Sounds familiar? You’re not alone.
The truth is, those tiny numbers can feel like a lot. They can make you second-guess your posts. Instead of sharing what you enjoy, you start thinking about what’ll get more likes. And that’s not fun. Social media should be **your space**—not a scoreboard.
When you’re constantly watching numbers, it’s easy to lose the joy of just being yourself online. That pressure? It builds up, slowly turning a fun app into something stressful. And honestly, who needs more stress?
But here’s some good news. You don’t have to keep playing the numbers game. You can actually **hide likes and views on Instagram**. Yup, there’s a setting for that—and it’s super easy to use. In this guide, I’ll show you how to **turn them off step by step**, so you can enjoy Instagram your way again. Let’s walk through it together.
Why hiding likes and views can actually help you
You might be wondering, “Why should I even bother turning off likes or views?” I get it. But once you do, you’ll probably feel a bit lighter. Let’s talk about why this simple change can make a big difference.
1. Social pressure is real
You post a photo, and then… you wait. You check the likes. Then check again. And again. It’s like your post is being judged, and suddenly, it’s not about the moment you wanted to share—it’s about the numbers. That’s a lot of pressure for something that’s supposed to be fun.
**You don’t need to compete.** Your Instagram is for you, not for proving anything to anyone.
2. It helps you focus on what matters
Let’s be honest—when likes and views are right there in your face, it’s hard not to pay attention. You might even start changing how or what you post just to keep those numbers up. But when you hide them, you can finally get back to **sharing what you actually care about**.
You stop chasing approval. You start being real. And that feels good.
3. It gives you more privacy and peace of mind
Sometimes, you just want to share something without feeling like the whole world is watching. Hiding likes and views gives you that space. It’s like turning off the noise so you can enjoy being online in a calmer, more personal way.
So yeah, this tiny change? It can really shift how you feel about using the app. Now, let’s make it happen.
How to turn off like and view counts on Instagram
Alright, time to take action. Whether you’re about to post something new, or you want to clean up an old post, or even hide likes across your entire feed—I’ve got you covered. I’ll show you **how to do it step by step**.
#1: Hide likes and views on a new post
If you’re just about to share something, and you want to keep likes and views hidden from the start, here’s how you do it. It’s simple, and you only need to do it once for each new post.
Steps:
- Start creating your post just like you normally would.
- Before you hit share, look for the “Advanced Settings” at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap on it, and you’ll see an option that says “Hide like and view counts on this post.”
- Turn that toggle on.
- Now go ahead and post!
That’s it. You’ve just shared something without the pressure of numbers. Feels better already, right?
#2: Hide likes and views on a post you’ve already shared
Maybe you already posted something, and the like count is bugging you. No stress—you can still hide it after the fact.
Steps:
- Go to your profile and find the post you want to fix.
- Tap the three dots in the top right corner of the post.
- Choose “Hide like count” or “Hide view count” (you can do both).
Boom. The numbers are gone, and you can breathe a little easier.
#3: Hide likes and views for all posts going forward
If you’re thinking, “I just want to turn this off for everything,” you can! Instagram lets you set it so **all posts—yours and others—don’t show like or view counts**.
Steps:
- Open Instagram and head to your profile.
- Tap the three lines (top right corner).
- Go to Settings, then tap on Privacy.
- Select Posts.
- Toggle on “Hide Like and View Counts.”
And that’s it. Now, every time you scroll or post, those numbers stay hidden. It’s a great way to make Instagram feel calmer and more focused on the content, not the stats.
Want to take it even further? Try these extra tips
Now that you’ve hidden the like counts, let’s make your Instagram space even better. These little tips can help you enjoy the app more and keep things positive.
1. Explore more privacy settings. Take a few minutes to explore the other privacy features inside Instagram. You can control who can comment, who sees your stories, and even who can tag you. The more control you have, the more relaxed you’ll feel.
2. Follow people who inspire you. Unfollow accounts that stress you out or make you feel like you’re not enough. Instead, follow pages and people who make you smile, teach you something, or just share good vibes. Your feed should lift you up.
3. Limit your screen time. It’s easy to lose track of time on Instagram. Try setting a daily limit using your phone’s settings or Instagram’s own tools. This helps you stay mindful and avoid feeling drained from too much scrolling.
4. Talk more in the comments. Instead of worrying about likes, try connecting in the comments. A thoughtful message can mean way more than a double-tap. Plus, you’ll build stronger connections with the people who follow you.
5. Mix up your content. Try new things! Post a Reel, a Story, or even a carousel of photos. When you’re not worried about likes, you’re free to be more creative—and that’s what makes social media fun again.
The Takeaway
Instagram doesn’t have to feel like a popularity contest. Those like and view counts? You don’t need them to enjoy your time online. We’ve gone through **how to hide likes** on new posts, old posts, and even across your whole app.
This isn’t about hiding—it’s about **feeling better about what you post**. It’s your account. You get to decide how it feels and what shows up. If turning off the numbers helps you enjoy Instagram more, then go for it.
And hey, the best part? You can always change your mind later. Nothing’s permanent. But for now, try it out. See how it feels. You might be surprised at how freeing it is.
Your Instagram, your rules. Let me know in the comments—have you tried hiding likes yet? How’s it working for you?
