Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms where users interact by liking, commenting on, and sharing content. If you’re curious to know what someone else likes on Instagram, there are a few ways to get insights—although Instagram has removed direct access to this information. Whether you’re trying to understand someone’s interests, monitor a younger user’s activity, or simply curious about a friend’s online behavior, there are methods available to help.
Understanding Instagram’s Privacy Updates
In the past, Instagram allowed users to see the activity of accounts they followed through the “Following” tab. This tab showed likes, comments, and other interactions. However, Instagram removed this feature in 2019 to simplify the app and improve user privacy. Today, Instagram does not offer any built-in feature that lets users see what others are liking directly.
Ways to See What Someone Likes on Instagram
Although the direct method is no longer available, there are indirect approaches you can take:
1. Manually Check Their Activity
This method involves visiting the profile of the person you’re interested in and looking through what they interact with:
- Look at who they follow and see if they engage regularly with those profiles.
- Check posts by mutual followers to see if they’ve liked or commented.
- Spend time going through post comments where their username might appear.
2. Use Third-Party Apps or Tools (With Caution)
Some third-party applications claim to track likes and interactions for specific accounts. However, these tools often come with risks:
- They may violate Instagram’s terms of service.
- Your own data may be at risk if you allow app access.
- They can provide inaccurate or outdated information.
It’s important to use these with caution and research any tool before using it.
3. Observe Stories and Tagged Posts
Many users interact with content by tagging or sharing stories. Going through someone’s tagged posts or story mentions can show what kind of content they enjoy or engage with the most.
4. Follow Suggested Content
If you follow the same people or interact with similar content, Instagram’s algorithm may show you posts that your mutuals, including the person of interest, are engaging with. Explore the “Explore” page to see what’s trending among similar accounts.
Limitations and Ethical Considerations
Instagram’s design emphasizes user privacy. Due to this, many types of interactions such as likes on private accounts or stories viewed by others are hidden unless shared publicly. Attempting to track someone’s social media behavior without their knowledge can be considered an invasion of privacy. It’s best to be respectful and informed when seeking such information.
FAQ
-
Q: Can I see a list of everything someone has liked on Instagram?
A: No, Instagram no longer allows users to view someone else’s full like history. The information is private. -
Q: Are third-party apps safe to use for tracking Instagram activity?
A: While some may be safe, many violate Instagram’s policies and may pose privacy risks. Use them at your own discretion. -
Q: How else can I understand what a person likes on Instagram?
A: Observe their own posts, tagged photos, and who they follow. You can also interact with mutual content to see if they engage as well. -
Q: Is it possible to see likes on posts from public accounts?
A: Yes, you can see who liked a public post by tapping on the number of likes, as long as the username appears in the list.
In conclusion, seeing what someone likes on Instagram is not as straightforward as it once was. However, by using indirect methods such as manual observation and careful use of apps, you can still gather insights. Always remember to approach such matters ethically and respect others’ privacy online.
