How to See Someone’s Likes on Instagram: A Comprehensive Guide

Instagram, with its ever-evolving features and focus on visual content, has become a dominant force in the world of social media. A common curiosity among users is the ability to see what posts others are liking. While Instagram doesn’t offer a straightforward method to see a comprehensive list of someone’s likes, this article will explore various methods, their limitations, and ethical considerations. Understanding how to approach this, and more importantly, when not to, is crucial in maintaining healthy online interactions. This guide will also delve into why Instagram changed its approach to publicly visible likes and what you can do instead.

The Evolution of Likes on Instagram

In the past, Instagram allowed users to easily view a dedicated feed of posts liked by people they followed. This feature, located under the ‘Following’ tab in the Activity section, provided insights into the content other users were engaging with. However, this feature was removed in 2019. This change was driven by several factors, including concerns about user privacy and the pressure to constantly seek validation through likes. Instagram aimed to create a less competitive and more positive online environment. The change also limited the ability to engage in a potentially stalker-ish behavior.

Why You Can’t See a Full List of Someone’s Likes Anymore

The removal of the ‘Following’ tab and its associated likes feed was a deliberate decision by Instagram. Here’s why:

• Privacy Concerns: Publicly visible likes raised privacy concerns. Users felt exposed and judged based on their engagement. Instagram aimed to prioritize user privacy and provide more control over shared information.
• Pressure and Competition: The ‘Following’ feed often fueled competition. Users were constantly comparing likes and engagements, leading to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
• Reducing Stalker-Like Behavior: The feature was often misused to track and analyze other users’ activity. Removing it aimed to reduce this type of behavior and encourage more authentic interactions.
• Shifting Focus to Content, Not Engagement Metrics: Instagram wanted users to focus on the content they were creating and enjoying, rather than obsessing over metrics like likes.

Therefore, there is no direct, official way to see a complete list of someone’s liked posts on Instagram. That doesn’t mean that some methods to find out a few posts liked by another person don’t exist. Let’s explore them.

Methods to See Someone’s Likes (With Limitations)

While a comprehensive list is no longer available, there are a few ways you might stumble upon posts someone has liked. It’s important to understand that these methods are not foolproof and will only reveal a limited amount of information.

1. Mutual Friends’ Activity

If you follow the same accounts as the person whose likes you are interested in, there is a chance you might see their activity in your feed. If a mutual friend posts something, and both you and the person of interest liked the post, it will show up in your feed. Note that this method is not a reliable method for seeing all their likes, as you will only see their activity on the posts you have also engaged with or that are pushed through algorithm, and only if you and the person both follow the original poster.

Limitations:

• Only shows activity on posts you are also likely to see.
• Relies heavily on the Instagram algorithm.
• Provides only a small glimpse into their overall likes.

2. Browsing Through Hashtags and Location Tags

If you have a sense of the kind of content someone might be interested in (for example, based on the topics they post about), you can try browsing through specific hashtags or location tags that are relevant. If they recently liked a post, it’s possible you might see that post on the platform.

Limitations:

• Highly inefficient and time-consuming.
• You’ll be viewing a broad range of posts, not just those they liked.
• Likely to find very limited relevant results.

3. Looking at Comments and Interactions

Another way to see if someone liked a particular post is to check the comments section of a specific Instagram post you think they might have interacted with. When you see a post with lots of comments, and if the person also commented, you can see if their like is there. If there are many comments and likes, it may become too time-consuming and difficult to find that specific like.

Limitations:

• Again, this is not a reliable source, as you would have to manually check all the posts.
• You must have an idea that this person interacted with a specific post.
• This method is very inefficient and time-consuming.

4. Third-Party Apps and Websites: A Cautionary Note

You may come across third-party apps or websites that claim to show you someone’s likes on Instagram. **Be extremely cautious of these**. Most of these are either scams, try to steal your login credentials, or are simply ineffective. Moreover, using such apps or websites can violate Instagram’s terms of service, potentially leading to the suspension or deletion of your account. It’s best to avoid them completely.

Why to Avoid Third-Party Apps:

• Security Risks: These apps often require you to provide your Instagram login details, which can be used for malicious purposes.
• Privacy Violations: Many of these apps harvest personal information without your knowledge or consent.
• Inaccuracy: They rarely work as advertised and often provide false or inaccurate information.
• Violation of Instagram’s Terms: Using such apps can result in account suspension.

Ethical Considerations: When Should You NOT Try to See Someone’s Likes?

It’s crucial to consider the ethical implications of attempting to view someone’s likes. While harmless curiosity can be understandable, excessive focus on tracking someone else’s online activity can be invasive and unhealthy. Here are some situations where you should definitely avoid trying to find someone’s likes:

• Obsessive Tracking: If your desire to see someone’s likes stems from an unhealthy obsession or a need to constantly monitor their activity, it’s time to take a step back. Such behavior can be harmful to both you and the person you’re tracking.
• Trust Issues: If your need to see someone’s likes arises from trust issues, it’s better to address those underlying problems directly, rather than resorting to covert monitoring. Communicate with the person and express your concerns instead.
• Relationship Control: Trying to control or monitor your partner’s Instagram activity is a sign of unhealthy behavior. Relationships should be built on mutual respect and trust, not surveillance.
• Privacy Invasion: Even if you believe you have a reason, it’s important to respect people’s privacy. Everyone has the right to control what they share online and who they share it with.
• Stalker Behavior: If your reasons go beyond curiosity and you are seeking a specific response, it’s important to consider that this might qualify as stalking behavior, especially if you are doing this on daily basis.

What You CAN Do Instead

Instead of focusing on trying to see someone’s likes, there are more positive and constructive ways to engage on Instagram:

• Focus on Your Own Content: Create high-quality, engaging content that you enjoy and that reflects your passions.
• Engage Authentically: Comment on posts you find interesting, and build meaningful connections with others.
• Use the Explore Page: Discover new content and accounts that align with your interests.
• Communicate Directly: If you’re curious about someone’s interests, ask them directly! A genuine conversation is much more valuable than trying to decode their likes.
• Unfollow When Needed: If someone’s posts are causing you anxiety, stress or negative emotions, remember that it is okay to unfollow and remove them from your feed. Your well-being should come first.

Conclusion

While the desire to see someone’s likes on Instagram is understandable, it’s no longer a straightforward process. Instagram’s removal of the ‘Following’ activity tab was intentional, aimed at prioritizing user privacy and fostering a healthier online environment. Instead of trying to circumvent these changes using unreliable methods or unsafe third-party apps, focus on building genuine connections and engaging in positive interactions. Respect others’ privacy and recognize that there are healthier ways to interact on the platform.

The best approach is to respect the privacy of others, focus on your own content and well-being, and engage with Instagram in a mindful and positive way. Remember that there are plenty of other interesting things to see and do on Instagram, without focusing on who liked what. In general, if you feel tempted to investigate someone’s likes, you should probably rethink your reasons and your approach.