Often when we open Instagram, our focus is inevitably drawn to the number of likes displayed on each post. Automatic comparisons cause anxiety-are our or our friends’ posts popular enough? Luckily, Instagram provides a feature to hide the number of likes, so you can enjoy your content without the distraction of metrics. In this article, you’ll understand why, how to enable the option, the positive impact, and additional tips for a healthier surfing experience.
Reasons for Hiding Like Counts
Instagram was designed as a place to share moments, not a numbers competition. But over time, the number of likes has become a measure of popularity that makes some users feel pressured. Younger generations often compare their likes to others, leading to a lack of confidence. By hiding the number of likes, you put the focus back on the visual content and the actual narrative. The content takes center stage, not a pseudo-number. In addition, it helps you reduce the temptation of “like bombing”, which is giving excessive likes just to show liveliness.
How to Enable the Hide Likes Feature
To start hiding the number of likes on your feed, first open the Instagram app and go to the profile page. Tap the three-line icon in the top right corner, then select Settings and Privacy. Next, go to the Privacy menu, scroll down until you find the Posts option, and then enable the Hide the number of likes and impressions button. With one tap, you will no longer see the number of likes on other people’s posts in your feed or profile, nor will your followers be able to see the number of likes on your posts.
If you want to hide likes only on specific posts, when creating a new post tap Advanced Settings before sharing, then enable the option to Hide the number of likes and impressions on this post. This is useful if you’re curious how your account feels without metrics, or just want to keep the mood on certain content.
Positive Impact After Removing Like Counts
Once the feature is enabled, you’ll notice a difference. When scrolling through the feed, your eyes are no longer drawn to the numbers; your attention is really on the image or video and the story behind it. This makes for a calmer surfing experience and reduces social comparison. You can also evaluate the performance of your posts with other metrics-such as comments, video watch time or link clicks in your bio-that tend to reflect more meaningful interactions.
For content creators, hiding likes allows them to explore experimental ideas without fear of bad metrics being exposed. For example, you could upload a tutorial on how to use a third-party tool like sssinstagram to save video footage without a watermark, then monitor watch duration instead of fixating on the number of likes. This helps create more authentic and audience-driven content.
Adjusting Digital Habits After Hide Likes
Maximize the positive effects by disabling the likes notification in the app settings. Reduce distractions by using Focus or Do Not Disturb mode when you want to enjoy your feed without interruptions. If you want a more tangible digital pause, use the “Your Activity” feature on Instagram to limit daily usage time. Mental health experts often recommend pausing every 30 minutes, so you don’t get stuck scrolling aimlessly.
You could also start a small challenge with your friends or community, such as a one-week “No Like Challenge”. Encourage friends to leave comments instead of likes, improving the quality of interaction. Create a small chat group to discuss your favorite content without worrying about numbers.
Maintaining Mental Health Amidst Social Media
Hiding your likes is practical, but optimal mental health also requires a holistic approach. Set aside time each day for offline activities such as exercise, reading, or simply catching up with family. Avoid checking social media immediately after waking up or before going to bed for a healthier daily rhythm. You can combine this habit with the discipline of taking breaks using smartphone reminders.
Instead of fixating on metrics, focus on the original purpose of using Instagram: sharing stories, inspiration, and daily happenings. When your social media experience returns to that essence, you’ll feel a deeper sense of fulfillment-not the false satisfaction of likes.
Summarizing the Change in Social Media Experience
Turning on the hide likes feature makes your Instagram feed feel calmer and kinder to your mental health. This simple step shifts the focus from numbers to content, making room for more authentic interactions. Combine this with notification customization, community challenges, and healthy digital habits to create a truly fulfilling social media experience. In this way, Instagram is once again a place to share moments and inspiration, not a place to compare numbers. Good luck and feel the difference!
