Have you ever looked at someone’s Instagram post and couldn’t see who liked it? You’re not the only one. Many people get confused when likes seem to disappear or don’t show up.
There are a few simple reasons this might happen. And don’t worry — it doesn’t always mean there’s a problem with your account.
In this blog post, we’ll explain why you might not see someone’s likes on Instagram. We’ll also show you how to check your settings and what you can do next.
Let’s find out what’s going on and how to fix it!
Quick Summary: Why You Might Not See Likes
Here are the most common reasons:
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The user has hidden like counts on their posts.
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You’re not following a private account.
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Instagram is testing or has rolled out a new feature.
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The user doesn’t interact much (or only likes private content).
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There’s a bug, app issue, or your connection is weak.
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You’ve been restricted or blocked.
Why Can’t I See Someone’s Likes on Instagram? How To Fix
1. Privacy Settings
One of the main reasons you can’t see someone’s likes is because of their privacy settings.
Instagram lets people control who can see their activity — including the posts they like. Here’s how it works:
- Private Accounts: If someone has a private profile, only their approved followers can see what they like. If you’re not following them (or they haven’t accepted your request), you won’t be able to view their likes.
- Public Accounts: Even public accounts can limit what others see. Some users may choose to hide counts or manage who sees their activity status.
So, if you can’t see someone’s likes, it may just be because they’ve chosen to keep their activity private.
2. Instagram Updates
Instagram is always changing. The app regularly tests new features and updates how things look or work.
- Testing New Features: Instagram often runs tests with small groups of users. In the past, they even tested hiding all likes on posts to reduce pressure and comparison. So, what you see might not be the same as what someone else sees.
- Permanent Changes: If a test is successful, Instagram might roll it out to everyone. This can change how likes are displayed or whether you see them at all.
If things look different on your feed, it might just be an update. Keeping up with Instagram news or checking the Help Center can help you stay informed.
3. User Behavior
Sometimes, the reason you don’t see likes has more to do with the person’s habits on the app.
- They Don’t Like Many Posts: Some users scroll without hitting the “like” button. If they don’t like posts often, there’s nothing to show.
- They Like Private Posts: If someone is liking photos from private accounts that you don’t follow, you won’t be able to see those likes.
- They’re Being More Private: People sometimes change how they use Instagram. They might stop liking posts publicly to keep a lower profile or avoid attention.
In these cases, it’s not about settings or glitches — it’s just how the person chooses to use Instagram.
4. App Glitches or Bugs
Just like any app, Instagram can run into small issues from time to time.
- Temporary Bugs: Sometimes likes don’t show up because of a minor bug. This can be fixed by restarting the app or waiting for Instagram to fix the problem on their end.
- Outdated App: If your Instagram app is not updated, you might miss out on features or see display issues. Make sure your app is up to date to avoid these problems.
- Slow Internet Connection: A weak or unstable connection can also stop likes and comments from loading properly.
Fix tip: Try closing and reopening the app, updating to the latest version, or reinstalling it completely.
5. Check Your Settings
If nothing else is working, it might be worth checking your account.
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Have you been restricted? If someone restricts you, you might not see their activity — including likes and comments.
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Blocked by the user? If they’ve blocked you, their profile and posts will disappear completely.
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Are you following the person? For private accounts, you must be an approved follower to see any of their activity.
To check if you’ve been restricted:
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Try commenting on one of their posts.
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If your comment disappears or says “Pending,” you may be restricted.
Final Thoughts
Not being able to see someone’s likes on Instagram can be confusing, but it’s usually because of privacy settings, changes in the app, or if that person has blocked or restricted you. Instagram is always updating, so features may change over time.
If you’re trying to keep up with someone’s activity, remember that everyone has a right to their privacy. It’s always best to respect that.
Still curious about how Instagram works? Stay updated with our latest tips and tricks — follow us or check out more of our guides!
FAQs: Why Can’t I See Someone’s Likes on Instagram?
Can someone hide their likes from just me?
No, if someone hides like counts, it applies to everyone — not just you. However, if they block or restrict you, you may not be able to see their posts or interactions at all.
Why can I see likes on some accounts but not others?
That’s because Instagram gives users the choice to show or hide likes on each of their posts. Some people leave likes visible, while others choose to hide them — it’s a personal preference.
Did Instagram remove likes completely?
No, Instagram hasn’t removed likes completely. They introduced an option to hide likes to help reduce pressure and comparison among users. You can still view likes on some posts if the user hasn’t chosen to hide them.