Like counts can be useful when you are reviewing performance, but they can also turn every post into a scorecard. Instagram lets you decide whether likes and views are visible on your own posts, and whether you see those totals on posts and reels from other people. The choices are separate, which is helpful if you still want your own analytics while making the feed feel less distracting.

Hide like counts on posts and reels you see

Open Instagram, go to your profile and open the menu in the top-right corner. In Settings and activity, look for Like and share counts under the section about what you see. Turn on the option to hide like and share counts. This changes your view of posts and reels from other accounts; it does not change what other people can see on your profile.

Hide counts on a post before you publish

When you are ready to share a feed post, continue to the final screen where you write the caption. Open Advanced settings near the bottom and enable the option to hide like and view counts for that post. You can make the decision post by post, so there is no need to use the same setting for every piece of content.

Hide counts on an older post

You can also adjust a post after it is live. Open the post, tap the three-dot menu and choose the option to hide like and view counts. If you change your mind later, return to the same menu and turn them back on. The post itself stays published; only the visible total changes.

What this setting does not hide

Hiding a count does not make a post private and it does not erase engagement. People can still like, comment and share according to your account settings. You will still be able to see the total likes on your own posts, which means the setting can reduce public pressure without removing the information you need to evaluate content.

When hiding likes makes sense

Many people hide counts when testing a new format, posting something personal, or trying to focus on conversations rather than numbers. For a business account, it can be useful when the post’s real goal is replies, saves, clicks or sales rather than a visible like total. The right choice depends on what you want the audience to notice first.

If you are planning consistent campaigns and want practical services for the platform, visit our Instagram SMM panel. Use performance data thoughtfully, but do not let one public number decide whether a piece of content was worthwhile.