The short answer
Open the post and tap the like count under it. On many posts this line reads “Liked by name and others”. Tap it. A list of every account that liked the post opens. This works on your own posts and on any post you can see.
How to see who liked your post
Follow these steps in the app:
- Go to your profile and open the post.
- Look under the photo, next to the heart.
- Tap the number, or the line that starts with Liked by.
- Scroll the list to see every name.
There is a search bar at the top of the list. Type a username to check one person fast.
Instagram explains how this line works on its help page about who can see likes. After 4 likes, a post shows the number of likes. It also shows the names of some people you follow who liked it.
What you see when the like count is hidden
A post owner can hide the like count. You can also hide counts on every post you see. The two settings work in different ways.
- Your own posts: you always see the full count and the full list. Instagram says you’ll still be able to see the total number of likes on your own posts.
- Other people’s posts: if the owner hid the count, you do not see the number. You may still see “Liked by name and others”. Tapping it shows some names, but not the total.
- Your settings: if you turned on Hide like and share counts, the numbers vanish on posts you see. Turn it off to see them again.
To turn your own setting off, go to Settings, then Like and share counts under What you see. Flip the switch. The steps are on Instagram’s page about hiding like counts.
How to see posts you liked
Instagram keeps a list of the posts you liked. It shows the 300 most recent ones.
- Go to your profile and open the menu.
- Tap Your activity.
- Tap Interactions, then Likes at the top.
- Tap any post to open it.
The steps come from Instagram’s page on seeing posts you liked. From that same screen you can also remove your like from many posts at once.
Can you see who liked someone else’s post?
Yes, as long as you can see the post. Tap the like count and the list opens. It is the same list the owner sees, with one difference. If the owner hid the count, you do not get the total number.
You cannot see a list of everything another person liked. Instagram removed that feed years ago. The only way to know if someone liked a post is to open that post and look for their name.
This is different from views. Instagram does not show who watched a Reel. Our guide on who views your Reels explains what it does show.
Likes on private accounts
Private accounts change who can see likes. Here is the rule, based on Instagram’s help page.
| Situation | Who can see the likes |
|---|---|
| Public account | Anyone who can see the post |
| Private account | Approved followers only |
| Private account likes a public post | Everyone, and the name is clickable |
| Like count hidden by owner | Owner sees the total; others see names only |
So if you like a public post, anyone can see your name under it. Being private does not hide that. It only hides your own posts and the likes on them.
One more thing. If you block someone, they can still see your likes on public posts. Instagram says blocked people see your likes on posts from public accounts or from accounts they follow.
How to hide like counts
You can hide the number on your own posts. People can still like them. Here is the quick version.
- Before you share: on the last screen, tap Advanced settings. Turn on Hide like and view counts on this post.
- After you share: open the post, tap the three dots, and tap Hide like count.
- On posts you see: go to Settings, then Like and share counts. Turn on Hide like and share counts.
Our full guide on how to hide likes on Instagram covers each step with more detail. You can flip any of these back at any time.
Why the like list matters
The like list is a small window into your audience. Names you see often are your core fans. Names you do not know are new reach. Both tell you which posts work.
Likes and followers move together. A post with strong early likes tends to reach more people. Check any account’s size with our free Instagram follower count checker. And if you want a head start on a new post, Famoid sells Instagram likes delivered at a steady pace. We never ask for your password, only your username.