Instagram post with the most likes
The most liked picture on Instagram is no longer the famous egg. Today, it is a post by Lionel Messi after Argentina won the 2022 World Cup. If you mean a single photo in the strictest sense, the egg from @world_record_egg is still one of the best known records on the platform. The important point is this: Instagram likes keep changing, and Instagram does not publish an official public ranking. So it is always wise to check the post itself.
What is the most liked picture on Instagram?
For a long time, the best known record on Instagram was the photo of a brown egg from @world_record_egg. It was posted in 2019 with one clear goal: to beat Kylie Jenner’s like record at the time. It became an internet phenomenon because millions of people simply wanted to take part.
Later, Lionel Messi broke that record. His post after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup became the most liked Instagram post of all time. The post features emotional images with the World Cup trophy, celebrations, team moments and an event followed around the world.
The small distinction matters:
- Most liked Instagram post: Lionel Messi’s World Cup post, because the entire post is counted.
- Most liked single picture: The egg from @world_record_egg is still often mentioned because it is a single image, not an emotional photo post with multiple images.
Many older lists still name the egg as number one. That was correct at the time, but today it is not entirely accurate, depending on the definition.
Well known Instagram posts with extremely high numbers of likes
The exact numbers keep changing because people still like, unlike or rediscover posts. However, these examples have been among the most famous posts with very high like counts for years:
| Post | Why it received so many likes |
|---|---|
| Lionel Messi with the World Cup trophy | A historic sporting moment, global attention, strong emotion and a huge fan base. |
| @world_record_egg | A simple internet joke that became a global participation moment. |
| Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi chess themed image | Two of the biggest sports stars in one iconic image, perfect for discussion and sharing. |
| Ariana Grande wedding photos | A famous private moment that fans rarely get to see so directly. |
| Billie Eilish with blonde hair | An unexpected change, a strong fan base and a highly shareable image. |
| Kylie Jenner pregnancy announcement | Personal news, huge reach and strong fan interest. |
How to check the current ranking yourself
Instagram does not have an official page listing the most liked pictures of all time. If you want to know which post is truly in front right now, you need to check the numbers and compare sources.
1. Open the original post
Do not rely only on screenshots or TikTok videos about the record. Open the actual Instagram post on the person’s or brand’s profile. Only there can you see whether the post is still online and how Instagram currently displays the likes.
2. Check whether likes are hidden
Instagram allows users to hide like counts on their own posts. If an account uses this feature, you may not be able to see the exact number publicly. That does not mean the post has few likes. It only means the number is not visible to everyone.
3. Understand the difference between a photo, Reel, video and carousel
Many rankings mix different formats. A single photo is not the same as a carousel containing several images. Reels are also often treated separately because they have different ways of reaching people. So when someone says most liked picture, ask yourself: do they mean a single photo or the most liked Instagram post overall?
4. Compare several current sources
Record numbers change faster than many blog posts are updated. So always check several recent sources and then the original post. For general platform rules and features, the Instagram Help Centre is the best place to start.
Why do some Instagram pictures get so many likes?
The most liked Instagram pictures rarely have just one thing in common. They usually combine reach, timing, emotion and conversation value. That is why an egg can receive millions of likes while a perfectly photographed model picture receives far fewer.
Wide reach helps, but it is not enough by itself
Stars such as Messi, Ronaldo, Kylie Jenner or Billie Eilish begin with a huge advantage. If an account already has millions of followers, many people see a new post immediately. Even so, not every celebrity photo becomes a record. There also needs to be a reason for people to react.
Emotion attracts likes
People quickly like posts when an image creates joy, surprise, pride, sympathy or nostalgia. A World Cup win, a wedding, a pregnancy or a farewell from a club are moments people understand immediately. You do not need a long explanation to see why they matter.
The picture needs to be easy to share
A strong Instagram picture stays in your mind. The egg was extremely simple. Messi’s World Cup image was emotional and historic. The chess themed image of Ronaldo and Messi was visually striking and immediately sparked conversation. The easier it is for people to understand why a picture is special, the more likely they are to send it, comment on it or save it.
Timing makes a big difference
If a post appears just as everyone is talking about a topic, it receives attention much faster. This applies to World Cups, music releases, series finales, fashion trends, viral challenges and personal announcements. You can also find general insights about posting times at Sprout Social. The best time for your own account always depends on when your followers are genuinely active.
Instagram is more likely to show posts when people react quickly
If many people like, comment, save or share soon after a post is published, it can gain more visibility. Instagram considers many signals at the same time. You can find a clear overview of this at Hootsuite’s guide to the Instagram algorithm. For regular users, the practical point is simple: the beginning of a post’s life matters. If your community responds immediately, the chance of reaching more people increases.
How to get more likes on your own Instagram pictures
Not everyone needs millions of likes. For many creators, small brands or personal accounts, it is already important for real followers to respond more often and for new people to discover the profile. You do not need celebrity reach to achieve that. You need clear content, good images and a profile people can understand quickly.
Before posting: make your image easier to understand
- Clearly show what the post is about. A picture should not require ten seconds of explanation.
- Use good lighting. Daylight often works better than a dark room with a strong filter.
- Choose a strong first image. In carousels, the first image often determines whether someone keeps swiping.
- Write a caption with genuine context. A good caption turns a nice photo into a post people want to respond to.
- Do not post only for yourself; post for your audience too. Ask why someone should like, save or comment.
After posting: respond quickly to your community
The first responses can matter. If someone comments, do not wait several days to reply. For smaller accounts in particular, genuine activity in the comments can help a post feel more lively. Ask a simple question in the caption, but do not force it. Good examples would be: “Which picture do you like most?” in a carousel or “Do you know this place?” on a travel photo.
Use Reels, Stories and profile visits together
Many likes do not come only from the feed. People may first see you in a Reel, then visit your profile and like several pictures. That is why your profile should look tidy. Your profile photo, bio, highlights and recent posts should quickly show who you are and why someone should follow you.
If you also want to focus on growth, you can find practical tips here: How to get more Instagram followers for your business
Social proof can help, but it does not replace good content
New accounts can sometimes look empty even when their content is good. In these cases, some users also consider support through the SocialKings Instagram category. If you use this, it should always form part of genuine profile building. Buy Instagram likes can give a post more early momentum, while Buy Instagram followers makes the profile itself appear fuller. For video content, Buy Instagram views can also be useful. However, good content, clear topics and genuine activity are still the most important elements.
Mistakes that can cost you likes
Many Instagram posts receive few likes not because the picture is poor, but because small issues stop people from responding.
- Too many topics at once: If your profile features fitness today, memes tomorrow and business tips the following day, new visitors often do not know why they should stay.
- Unclear captions: A nice picture without context can work, but a good caption makes it more personal and easier to comment on.
- Over edited pictures: Strong filters can look unnatural, especially on faces, food, fashion and travel images.
- No replies to comments: If people notice that you never respond, they will comment less over time.
- Only posting when you want to sell something: People prefer accounts that also entertain, help or inspire them.
- Unrealistic expectations: A viral post can happen, but long term growth usually comes from consistent, recognisable content.
Why you sometimes cannot see like counts
Instagram has added features that mean like counts are not always shown publicly. This can happen on your own posts and on other people’s posts. Some creators use this deliberately because they want to feel less pressure from numbers. Others simply test whether their community focuses more on the content.
What happens when likes are hidden?
- Other people may no longer see the exact number of likes.
- The post can still receive likes.
- The account owner can usually still see the numbers.
- Hidden likes do not automatically mean less reach.
If you want to check your own settings, look under privacy and post settings in Instagram. Because Instagram changes its menus from time to time, the Instagram Help Centre is the most reliable place to find the exact current setting.
Common questions about the most liked Instagram picture
Is the egg still the most liked picture on Instagram?
The egg from @world_record_egg is still one of the most famous Instagram pictures ever. However, Lionel Messi’s World Cup post has overtaken it as the most liked Instagram post. If someone is referring only to a single photo, the egg is still often named as the record example.
Why did the egg become so viral?
Because the idea was extremely simple. People did not need to buy anything, understand anything or explain anything. They could simply like it and become part of an internet record. That simplicity is what made the post so effective.
Do pictures and carousels count the same on Instagram?
One like applies to the entire post. In a carousel, you do not like each image separately. You like the complete post. That is why it is important to read rankings carefully. A single photo and a carousel are not the same.
Can a regular account also receive a lot of likes?
Yes, but millions of likes are rare without a large audience. Regular accounts can still grow strongly if they have a clear topic, post good content consistently and involve their community. Several solid posts are often more valuable than hoping for a viral moment.
Does posting at the right time really help you get more likes?
Yes, it can help. If your followers are online, your post receives its first responses faster. That does not guarantee a viral post, but it can improve the start. Check your Instagram Insights if you use a professional account.
Why do some celebrities hide their likes?
Some accounts hide like counts to place less emphasis on public numbers. Others do it for brand or privacy reasons. The post can still be very successful even if you cannot see the exact like count.
What is more important: likes, comments or saves?
Likes are visible and quick, but they are not always the strongest signal. Comments show genuine conversation. Saves show that people want to view the post again later. Shares can bring new people to your profile. For growth, the combination of all of them matters.
