Instagram no longer offers a direct way to view someone’s activity, including their likes, since removing the “Following” activity tab in 2019. However, there are still a few workarounds you can use to get insights into what someone is liking on Instagram. Whether you’re curious about a friend’s activity or want to keep up with influencers, here are three effective methods to explore.
1. Check Posts with Mutual Engagement
One of the easiest ways to see someone’s likes is to observe the posts that you both engage with, especially if you follow the same accounts. Instagram often highlights mutual activity, making it simple to spot what someone liked.
Steps:
- Follow Shared Accounts: Ensure you both follow the same creators or public profiles.
- Visit the Shared Account’s Posts: Open a post and scroll through the list of users who liked it.
- Look for Their Name: Instagram often displays users you know at the top of the “Likes” list, so you can quickly identify if they liked the post.
Tip: This method works best for active users and public accounts with fewer likes, making it easier to spot someone’s engagement.
2. Search for Their Activity on Public Accounts
For users who frequently interact with public accounts or influencers, you can directly view their likes and comments on public posts.
Steps:
- Find Public Profiles They Follow: Go to their Instagram profile and check their “Following” list to see which public accounts they follow.
- Open the Public Posts: Visit these accounts and check the most recent posts.
- Look for Their Likes or Comments: Scroll through the “Likes” list or comments to see if they’ve interacted with the content.
Note: This method doesn’t work for private accounts, as their likes and comments are only visible to approved followers.
3. Use Third-Party Tools or Apps
Some third-party apps and services claim to provide insights into Instagram activity, including likes and engagement. These tools can be helpful but come with significant privacy and security risks.
Popular Options:
- Reports+ for Instagram: This app tracks engagement, including who likes and comments on public posts.
- SocialView: Provides insights into interactions, including likes and mutual activity.
Steps:
- Download a Trusted App: Look for a highly rated app with a good privacy policy.
- Log In or Connect Your Instagram: Use the app to track interactions with other users.
- Check Activity Reports: Use the app’s analytics to identify who liked specific posts or interacted with accounts.
Warning: Be cautious when granting third-party apps access to your Instagram. Unauthorized apps may violate Instagram’s terms of service or compromise your account security.
FAQs: How to See Someone’s Likes on Instagram: Tricks & Workarounds
Q1: Can I still see someone’s Instagram likes like before?
A: No, Instagram removed the “Following” activity tab in 2019, which allowed users to see what others were liking and commenting on. Now, you can only see likes on posts by manually checking individual posts.
Q2: Can I see likes on private accounts?
A: No, you cannot see likes or comments on posts from private accounts unless you’re an approved follower of that account.
Q3: Are there apps that let me track someone’s likes on Instagram?
A: Some third-party apps claim to track likes and activity, but they often require account access and can pose security risks. Additionally, using unauthorized apps may violate Instagram’s terms of service, leading to account suspension.
Q4: How can I check if someone liked a specific post?
A: Open the post and tap on the “Likes” section. If they liked it, their name will appear in the list. Instagram prioritizes showing names of people you follow, making it easier to spot familiar profiles.
Q5: Is it possible to see a full history of someone’s Instagram likes?
A: No, Instagram does not provide a feature to view a complete history of someone’s likes. You can only see likes on posts by manually browsing individual posts.
Q6: Can I track my own Instagram activity, like my likes and comments?
A: Yes, you can view your own activity. Go to Settings > Your Activity > Interactions, where you can see posts you’ve liked and comments you’ve made.
Q7: Are there ethical concerns about tracking someone’s Instagram likes?
A: Yes, respecting privacy is important. Tracking someone’s activity excessively or using intrusive methods may breach personal boundaries and lead to trust issues.
Q8: How accurate are third-party apps for tracking Instagram likes?
A: The accuracy of third-party apps varies. Most apps can only track public interactions and are limited by Instagram’s API restrictions. Be cautious, as some apps may collect your data or violate Instagram’s policies.
Q9: Can I ask someone directly about their Instagram activity?
A: Absolutely. If you’re curious, it’s often better to ask the person directly about their activity rather than trying to monitor it without their knowledge.
Q10: Why did Instagram remove the “Following” activity tab?
A: Instagram removed the feature in 2019 to simplify the app and address privacy concerns. It aimed to reduce potential misuse of the feature and make the platform a safer space for users.
Conclusion
While Instagram doesn’t offer a built-in feature to view someone’s likes, these workarounds—like checking mutual engagement, exploring public activity, or using third-party tools—can help you gain insights. However, it’s essential to respect privacy boundaries and avoid intrusive behavior. Always use ethical and safe methods when exploring social media activity.
