{"id":247613,"date":"2026-09-13T12:51:31","date_gmt":"2026-09-13T12:51:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/socialkings.online\/the-instagram-post-with-the-most-likes\/"},"modified":"2026-09-13T12:55:26","modified_gmt":"2026-09-13T12:55:26","slug":"the-instagram-post-with-the-most-likes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/socialkings.online\/en-ca\/the-instagram-post-with-the-most-likes\/","title":{"rendered":"The Instagram post with the most likes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The most liked picture on Instagram is no longer the famous egg. Today, the record belongs to a post by Lionel Messi after Argentina won the 2022 World Cup. If you mean one individual photo in the strictest sense, the egg from <strong>@world_record_egg<\/strong> remains one of the best known records on the platform. The key point is this: Instagram like counts keep changing, and Instagram does not publish an official public ranking. It is therefore always wise to check the post itself.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article_toc\">\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#most_liked_instagram_picture\">What is the most liked picture on Instagram?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#check_the_ranking_yourself\">How to check the current ranking yourself<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#why_some_instagram_pictures_get_so_many_likes\">Why do some Instagram pictures receive so many likes?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#get_more_likes_on_your_own_instagram_pictures\">How to get more likes on your own Instagram pictures<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"most_liked_instagram_picture\">What is the most liked picture on Instagram?<\/h2>\n<p>For a long time, the best known record on Instagram belonged to the photo of a brown egg from <strong>@world_record_egg<\/strong>. It was posted in 2019 with one clear objective: to beat Kylie Jenner\u2019s like record at the time. It became an internet phenomenon because millions of people simply wanted to take part.<\/p>\n<p>Lionel Messi later broke that record. His post after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup became the most liked Instagram post of all time. The post includes emotional images featuring the World Cup trophy, celebrations, team moments, and an event watched around the world.<\/p>\n<p>This small distinction matters:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Most liked Instagram post:<\/strong> Lionel Messi\u2019s World Cup post, because the entire post is counted.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Most liked individual picture:<\/strong> The egg from @world_record_egg is still often mentioned because it is one individual image rather than an emotional photo post containing multiple images.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Many older lists still place the egg at number one. That was correct at the time, but it is no longer entirely accurate today, depending on the definition being used.<\/p>\n<h3>Well known Instagram posts with exceptionally high numbers of likes<\/h3>\n<p>The exact totals continue to change as people like, unlike, or rediscover posts. However, these examples have ranked among the most famous posts with very high like counts for years:<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Post<\/th>\n<th>Why it received so many likes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Lionel Messi with the World Cup trophy<\/td>\n<td>A historic sporting moment, worldwide attention, powerful emotion, and an enormous fan base.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>@world_record_egg<\/td>\n<td>A simple internet joke that became a moment of global participation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in a chess themed image<\/td>\n<td>Two of the world\u2019s biggest sports stars in one iconic image that was ideal for discussion and sharing.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Ariana Grande wedding photos<\/td>\n<td>A famous private moment that fans rarely get to see so directly.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Billie Eilish with blonde hair<\/td>\n<td>An unexpected change, a strong fan base, and an image that was easy to share.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Kylie Jenner pregnancy announcement<\/td>\n<td>Personal news, enormous reach, and strong interest from fans.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"check_the_ranking_yourself\">How to check the current ranking yourself<\/h2>\n<p>Instagram does not provide an official page listing the most liked pictures of all time. If you want to know which post is currently in the lead, you need to review the numbers and compare sources.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Open the original post<\/h3>\n<p>Do not depend solely on screenshots or TikTok videos discussing the record. Open the actual Instagram post on the person\u2019s or brand\u2019s profile. Only there can you confirm whether the post is still online and see how Instagram currently displays its likes.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Check whether likes are hidden<\/h3>\n<p>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. This does not mean that the post has few likes. It only means that the number is not visible to everyone.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Understand the difference between a photo, Reel, video, and carousel<\/h3>\n<p>Many rankings combine different formats. An individual photo is not the same as a carousel containing several images. Reels are also frequently treated separately because they reach people in different ways. When someone says most liked picture, ask yourself whether they mean one individual photo or the most liked Instagram post overall.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Compare several up to date sources<\/h3>\n<p>Record totals can change faster than many blog posts are updated. Always review several recent sources and then check the original post. For general platform rules and features, the <a href=\"https:\/\/help.instagram.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Instagram Help Centre<\/a> is the best place to begin.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"why_some_instagram_pictures_get_so_many_likes\">Why do some Instagram pictures receive so many likes?<\/h2>\n<p>The most liked Instagram pictures rarely have just one quality in common. They usually combine reach, timing, emotion, and the ability to spark conversation. This is why an egg can receive millions of likes while a perfectly photographed model receives far fewer.<\/p>\n<h3>A large reach helps, but it is not enough by itself<\/h3>\n<p>Stars such as Messi, Ronaldo, Kylie Jenner, or Billie Eilish begin with an enormous advantage. When an account already has millions of followers, many people see a new post immediately. Even so, not every celebrity photo sets a record. People also need a reason to respond.<\/p>\n<h3>Emotion attracts likes<\/h3>\n<p>People quickly like posts when an image creates joy, surprise, pride, sympathy, or nostalgia. A World Cup victory, a wedding, a pregnancy, or a farewell from a club are moments people understand immediately. You do not need a lengthy explanation to understand why they matter.<\/p>\n<h3>The picture needs to be easy to share<\/h3>\n<p>A powerful Instagram picture stays with you. The egg was extremely simple. Messi\u2019s World Cup image was emotional and historic. The chess themed image of Ronaldo and Messi was visually striking and immediately prompted conversation. The easier it is for people to understand why a picture is special, the more likely they are to send, comment on, or save it.<\/p>\n<h3>Timing makes a major difference<\/h3>\n<p>When a post appears at the exact moment everyone is discussing a topic, it attracts attention much faster. This applies to World Cups, music releases, series finales, fashion trends, viral challenges, and personal announcements. You can also find general information about posting times from <a href=\"https:\/\/sproutsocial.com\/insights\/best-times-to-post-on-instagram\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sprout Social<\/a>. The best time for your account will always depend on when your followers are actually active.<\/p>\n<h3>Instagram is more likely to show posts when people respond quickly<\/h3>\n<p>When many people like, comment, save, or share soon after publication, a post may gain more visibility. Instagram considers many signals at once. You can find a clear summary in <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.hootsuite.com\/instagram-algorithm\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hootsuite\u2019s overview of the Instagram algorithm<\/a>. For regular users, the practical takeaway is straightforward: a post\u2019s initial performance matters. When your community responds right away, your chances of reaching more people increase.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"get_more_likes_on_your_own_instagram_pictures\">How to get more likes on your own Instagram pictures<\/h2>\n<p>Not everyone needs millions of likes. For many creators, small brands, or personal accounts, it already matters when genuine followers respond more often and new people discover the profile. You do not need a celebrity\u2019s reach to achieve that. You need clear content, good images, and a profile people can quickly understand.<\/p>\n<h3>Before posting: make your image easier to understand<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Make the subject of the post clear.<\/strong> A picture should not require ten seconds of explanation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use good lighting.<\/strong> Daylight often works better than a dark room paired with a strong filter.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Select a strong first image.<\/strong> In carousels, the first image often determines whether someone continues swiping.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Write a caption that provides meaningful context.<\/strong> A good caption turns a pleasant photo into a post that people want to respond to.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Do not post only for yourself; post for your audience as well.<\/strong> Consider why someone would like, save, or comment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>After posting: respond to your community promptly<\/h3>\n<p>The initial responses can matter. If someone comments, do not wait several days to reply. For smaller accounts in particular, genuine activity in the comments can make a post feel more active. Ask a simple question in the caption, but avoid making it feel forced. Good examples include: \u201cWhich picture is your favourite?\u201d in a carousel or \u201cDo you know this place?\u201d on a travel photo.<\/p>\n<h3>Use Reels, Stories, and profile visits together<\/h3>\n<p>Many likes do not come solely from the feed. People might first see you in a Reel, visit your profile, and then like several pictures. This is why your profile should look tidy. Your profile photo, bio, highlights, and recent posts should quickly communicate who you are and why someone should follow you.<\/p>\n<p>If you also want to focus on growth, you can find practical advice here: <a href=\"https:\/\/socialkings.online\/en-ca\/\">How to get more Instagram followers for your business<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Social proof can help, but it cannot replace good content<\/h3>\n<p>New accounts can sometimes appear empty even when their content is good. In those situations, some users also explore support through the SocialKings Instagram category. If you choose to use that support, it should always complement genuine profile development. <a href=\"https:\/\/socialkings.online\/en-ca\/\">Buy Instagram likes<\/a> can give a post more momentum early on, while <a href=\"https:\/\/socialkings.online\/en-ca\/\">Buy Instagram followers<\/a> can make the profile itself appear fuller. For video content, <a href=\"https:\/\/socialkings.online\/en-ca\/\">Buy Instagram views<\/a> may also be useful. However, good content, clear subjects, and genuine activity remain the most important elements.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mistakes_that_can_cost_you_likes\">Mistakes that can cost you likes<\/h2>\n<p>Many Instagram posts receive few likes not because the picture is poor, but because small issues discourage people from responding.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Too many topics at once:<\/strong> If your profile features fitness today, memes tomorrow, and business advice the following day, new visitors often will not understand why they should stay.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Unclear captions:<\/strong> A pleasant picture without context can work, but a good caption makes it more personal and easier to comment on.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pictures with too much editing:<\/strong> Strong filters can look unnatural, particularly on images of faces, food, fashion, and travel.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Not replying to comments:<\/strong> If people notice that you never respond, they will gradually comment less often.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Posting only when you want to sell something:<\/strong> People prefer accounts that also entertain, help, or inspire them.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Unrealistic expectations:<\/strong> A viral post can happen, but long term growth usually comes from consistent and recognizable content.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"likes_not_visible\">Why you sometimes cannot see like counts<\/h2>\n<p>Instagram has introduced features that prevent like counts from always being shown publicly. This can occur on your posts and on posts from other people. Some creators use this feature intentionally because they want to feel less pressure from the numbers. Others simply test whether their community pays more attention to the content.<\/p>\n<h3>What happens when likes are hidden?<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Other people may no longer see the exact number of likes.<\/li>\n<li>The post can continue to receive likes.<\/li>\n<li>The account owner can usually still view the numbers.<\/li>\n<li>Hidden likes do not automatically result in less reach.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>To review your own settings, look under privacy and post settings in Instagram. Since Instagram changes its menus periodically, the <a href=\"https:\/\/help.instagram.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Instagram Help Centre<\/a> is the most reliable resource when you need the current, exact setting.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"faq\">Common questions about the most liked Instagram picture<\/h2>\n<h3>Is the egg still the most liked picture on Instagram?<\/h3>\n<p>The egg from @world_record_egg remains one of the most famous Instagram pictures ever posted. However, Lionel Messi\u2019s World Cup post has surpassed it as the most liked Instagram post. When someone is referring only to one individual photo, the egg is still frequently cited as the record example.<\/p>\n<h3>Why did the egg become so viral?<\/h3>\n<p>The idea was extremely simple. People did not need to buy, understand, or explain anything. They could simply like it and become part of an internet record. That simplicity made the post so powerful.<\/p>\n<h3>Do pictures and carousels count the same on Instagram?<\/h3>\n<p>One like applies to the entire post. In a carousel, you do not like every image separately. You like the complete post. This is why rankings need to be read carefully. An individual photo and a carousel are not the same thing.<\/p>\n<h3>Can a regular account also receive a very large number of likes?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, but receiving millions of likes is rare without a large audience. Regular accounts can still achieve strong growth when they focus on a clear topic, publish good content consistently, and involve their community. Several solid posts are often more valuable than hoping for a single viral moment.<\/p>\n<h3>Does posting at the right time really help you get more likes?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, it can help. When your followers are online, your post receives its initial responses sooner. This does not guarantee that a post will go viral, but it can improve its start. Review your Instagram Insights if you use a professional account.<\/p>\n<h3>Why do some celebrities hide their likes?<\/h3>\n<p>Some accounts hide like counts to place less emphasis on public numbers. Others do so for brand or privacy reasons. A post can still be highly successful even when you cannot see its exact like count.<\/p>\n<h3>What matters more: likes, comments, or saves?<\/h3>\n<p>Likes are visible and quick, but they are not always the strongest signal. Comments demonstrate genuine conversation. Saves indicate that people want to view the post again later. Shares can introduce new people to your profile. For growth, the combination of all these actions matters.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The most liked picture on Instagram is no longer the famous egg. Today, the record belongs to a post by<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":247614,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3548],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-247613","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-instagram"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/socialkings.online\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/247613","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/socialkings.online\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/socialkings.online\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/socialkings.online\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/socialkings.online\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=247613"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/socialkings.online\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/247613\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":247615,"href":"https:\/\/socialkings.online\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/247613\/revisions\/247615"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/socialkings.online\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/247614"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/socialkings.online\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=247613"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/socialkings.online\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=247613"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/socialkings.online\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=247613"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}