Most Liked Instagram Post

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 one single photo in a very strict way, the egg from @world_record_egg is still one of the best known records on the platform. The important thing is this: Instagram likes keep changing, and Instagram does not publish an official public ranking. So it is always smart 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 join in.

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 shows emotional images with the World Cup trophy, celebration, team moments, and an event followed around the world.

The small difference matters:

• Most liked Instagram post: Lionel Messi’s World Cup post, because the whole post is counted.
• Most liked single picture: The egg from @world_record_egg is often still mentioned, because it is one single image and not an emotional multi image photo post.

Many older lists still name the egg as number one. That was correct back then, but today it is not fully complete depending on the definition.

Well known Instagram posts with extreme numbers of likes

The exact numbers keep changing because people still like, unlike, or rediscover posts. But these examples have been among the most famous posts with very high like counts for years:

How to check the current ranking yourself

Instagram does not have its own official page with the most liked pictures of all time. If you want to know which post is really 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 real Instagram post in the profile of the person or brand. Only there can you see whether the post is still online and how Instagram currently shows the likes.

2. Check whether likes are hidden

Instagram lets users hide like counts on their own posts. If an account uses this feature, you may not 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. Know the difference between photo, Reel, video, and carousel

Many rankings mix different formats. A single photo is not the same as a carousel with several images. Reels are also often treated separately because they have different reach paths. So when someone says most liked picture, ask yourself: Do they mean one 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 Center is the best place to start.

Why do some Instagram pictures get so many likes?

The most liked Instagram pictures rarely have only one thing in common. Usually, they combine reach, timing, emotion, and conversation value. That is why an egg can get millions of likes while a perfectly shot model picture gets far less.

Big reach helps, but it is not enough on its own

Stars like Messi, Ronaldo, Kylie Jenner, or Billie Eilish start with a huge advantage. If an account already has millions of followers, many people see a new post right away. Still, not every celebrity photo becomes a record. There also has to be a reason why people react.

Emotion brings likes

People like posts fast 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 instantly. You do not need a long explanation to see why they matter.

The picture must 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. Ronaldo and Messi in a chess themed image was visually strong and instantly 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 arrives exactly when everyone is talking about a topic, it gets attention much faster. That is true for World Cups, music releases, series finales, fashion trends, viral challenges, and personal announcements. You can also find general insight about posting times at Sprout Social. The best time for your own account always depends on when your followers are truly active.

Instagram is more likely to show posts when people react quickly

If many people like, comment, save, or share soon after posting, a post can get more visibility. Instagram looks at many signals at the same time. You can find a clear overview of this at Hootsuite on the Instagram algorithm. For regular users, the practical point is simple: the start of a post matters. If your community reacts right away, the chance of reaching more people goes up.

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 that real followers react more often and new people discover the profile. For that, you do not need celebrity reach. You need clear content, good images, and a profile people understand fast.

Before posting: make your image easier to understand

• Show clearly what the post is about. A picture should not need ten seconds of explanation.
• Use good light. Daylight often works better than a dark room with a strong filter.
• Choose a strong first image. In carousels, the first image often decides whether someone keeps swiping.
• Write a caption with real context. A good caption turns a nice photo into a post people want to react to.
• Do not post only for yourself, but for your audience. Ask why someone should like, save, or comment.

After posting: respond quickly to your community

The first reactions can matter. If someone comments, do not answer only days later. Especially for smaller accounts, real activity in the comments can help a post feel more alive. Ask a simple question in the caption, but not a forced one. A good example 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 click your profile, and then like several pictures. That is why your profile should look clean. 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 work on growth, you can find practical tips here: How to get more Instagram followers for business

Social proof can help, but it does not replace good content

New accounts can sometimes look empty even when the content is good. In cases like that, some users also look at support through the SocialKings Instagram category. If you use that, it should always fit into real profile building. Buy Instagram likes can give a post more early momentum, while Buy Instagram followers makes the profile itself look fuller. For video content, Buy Instagram views can also be useful. But good content, clear topics, and real activity are still the most important part.

Mistakes that can cost you likes

Many Instagram posts do not get few likes because the picture is bad. Often, it is because of small things that stop people from reacting.

• Too many topics at once: If your profile shows fitness today, memes tomorrow, and business tips the next 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 reply 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.
• Wrong expectations: One viral post can happen, but long term growth usually comes from consistent and recognizable content.

Why you sometimes cannot see like counts

Instagram has added features that do not always show like counts publicly. This can happen on your own posts and on other people’s posts. Some creators use this on purpose because they want less pressure from numbers. Others simply test whether their community focuses more on the content.

What happens when likes are hidden?

• Other people may not see the exact number of likes anymore.
• The post can still get 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 in Instagram under privacy and post settings. Because Instagram changes menus from time to time, the Instagram Help Center is the most reliable place if you need the current exact 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. But as the most liked Instagram post, it has been overtaken by Lionel Messi’s World Cup post. If someone is only talking about one single photo, the egg is still often named as the record example.

Why did the egg go so viral?

Because the idea was extremely simple. People did not need to buy anything, understand anything, or explain anything. They could just like it and be part of an internet record. That simplicity is what made the post so strong.

Do pictures and carousels count the same on Instagram?

One like counts for the whole 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 normal account also get very many likes?

Yes, but millions of likes are rare without a large audience. Normal accounts can still grow strongly if they have a clear topic, post good content regularly, and involve their community. Often, several solid posts are more valuable than hoping for one viral moment.

Does the right time really help get more likes?

Yes, it can help. If your followers are online, your post gets the first reactions 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 focus on public numbers. Others do it for brand reasons 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 fast, but not always the strongest signal. Comments show real conversation. Saves show that people want to look at the post again later. Shares can bring new people to your profile. For growth, the mix of all of them matters.