To see what people like on Instagram, you can check their activity by visiting their profile, looking at the posts they have commented on and seeing which posts mention them (e.g., “Liked by [username] and others”). Instagram removed the “Following” tab that used to show likes. However, you can still get insights by exploring mutual interactions, using Instagram’s Explore Page and third-party analytics tools like Hootsuite or Sprout Social for more in-depth tracking. You can’t see everyone’s likes, but these methods will give you an idea of what they like most.
Here’s how to see what people like on Instagram.
Can You Still See What Others Like on Instagram?
Before, Instagram had a “Following” tab in the Activity section where you could see what your friends liked. However, that tab was removed in 2019 for privacy reasons. But there are still ways to get the scoop on what others like on Instagram.
Check Someone’s Liked Posts via Their Profile
Instagram doesn’t have a way to see what others like, but you can get hints by:
- Visit their profile and check the posts they engage with (likes and comments).
- Look at their followers and follow list to see who they interact with.
- Check the comment section of popular posts for their responses.
Use Instagram’s Explore Page for Clues
Instagram’s Explore Page is based on what you and your friends like. If you see specific content pop up often, it’s a good sign of what people in your network like.
To access it:
- Open the Instagram app.
- Tap the magnifying glass (search icon) at the bottom.
- Browse popular posts and see what’s trending.
See What Your Mutual Friends Like
If you follow mutual friends, you can often see what they like on specific posts. For example, Instagram sometimes shows “Liked by [username] and others” under posts. This will give you an idea of what they’re into.
Use Third-Party Tools
If you’re a business or influencer looking for more data, you can use third-party tools to analyze user behavior. Here are some popular ones:
- Hootsuite – Tracks engagement metrics.
- Sprout Social – Social media analytics.
- Iconosquare – Audience insights.
Note: Be careful with third-party apps. Instagram’s privacy policy limits what external apps can access.
How to See Your Own Liked Posts on Instagram
You can’t see what others like, but you can see yours:
- Open the app.
- Go to your profile and tap the three lines (menu) in the top right.
- Select “Your Activity” > “Likes.”
- See all the posts you have liked.
This can also help you track your interests.
Why Do People Want to See What Others Like?
There are many reasons people want to check Instagram likes:
- Personal curiosity – to see what friends or influencers are engaging with.
- Marketing insights – brands use this data to understand customer behavior.
- Social trends – to follow viral content and emerging trends.
Can you see what someone likes on Instagram?
No, Instagram removed the “Following” tab that showed others’ likes. But you can check their activity by seeing posts they comment on or follow. You may also see “Liked by [username] and others” on some posts.
How can I see what my boyfriend likes on Instagram?
You can’t see all his likes, but you can see posts he comments on. Look at his following list and engagement on mutual friends’ posts. You can also check Instagram’s suggested posts based on his activity.
How do I see what my girlfriend likes on Instagram?
Instagram no longer shows a list of posts liked by others. But you can see posts she interacts with by viewing comments and tags. Notice repeated engagement on certain accounts, and you’ll get an idea.
Can I check someone’s activity on Instagram?
Direct tracking of someone’s activity isn’t available, but you can see their comments and tagged posts. Instagram’s Explore Page may suggest content similar to what they engage with. Third-party tools offer insights for business accounts but have limitations.
Final Thought
Even though Instagram removed the “Following” tab, you can still see what people like through their profile activity, mutual connections and the algorithm-driven Explore page. For businesses and marketers, using analytics tools can give you more insights into audience preferences.
