April 24, 2025

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Do Instagram Likes Even Matter Anymore? (Spoiler: Yes, But Not How You Think)

Jen Kolbuc Social Media Consultant | Speaker | Training | Is your Instagram  Grid about to change? Maybe. Instagram is currently testing changing the  beloved square grid to a 4:5 portrait sized... | Instagram

Hey, let’s be real for a second. Instagram likes have been under fire for a while now. First, Instagram toyed with hiding them. Then, every marketing “guru” out there started preaching that likes don’t matter anymore. And yeah, I get it. Engagement has evolved. Comments, shares, saves these are the golden metrics now, right?

Well… not so fast.

I’ve been in the Instagram game long enough to know that likes still matter, just not in the way most people think. Whether you’re an aspiring influencer, a brand, or just someone trying to grow a personal account, ignoring likes is a mistake. And if you’re struggling to rack them up, there’s actually a smart (and free) way to give your posts a much-needed boost more on that in a sec.

The Real Reason Likes Still Matter

Sure, Instagram doesn’t prioritize likes as much as it used to, but they still serve three major purposes:

  1. They’re Social Proof (And People Are Sheep)

People gravitate toward content that already has engagement. It’s human nature. If you see a post with only three likes, you’re probably scrolling past. But if it has hundreds or thousands, you’re way more likely to pause, engage, and maybe even follow. The ‘bandwagon effect’ is real.

  1. Brands (And The Algorithm) Still Notice Them

Even if brands now look at metrics like saves and DMs, they still check likes when deciding who to work with. And let’s be honest, when was the last time you saw a viral post with zero likes? Likes still contribute to your post’s visibility, especially in those crucial first 30-60 minutes after posting.

  1. They’re a Gateway to Bigger Engagement

The trick to Instagram growth is stacking engagement. A post with likes gets more visibility -> that visibility brings in comments and shares -> and that triggers the algorithm to push it further. It’s a snowball effect. And that’s where things get interesting…

The Hard Truth:

Here’s what most influencers won’t tell you: likes don’t just happen. Most big creators boost their engagement behind the scenes. Some use engagement pods, others run paid ads, and yeah, some buy fake likes (which is a terrible idea, btw).

But the good news? There’s actually a legit, risk-free way to give your posts a little push.

A Smarter Way to Get More Instagram Likes (For Free)

Instead of wasting money on shady services or stressing over why your post isn’t taking off, there’s a better option: Grum’s Free Instagram Likes Tool.

This tool lets you instantly get 10, 25, 50, or even 100 real likes on your Instagram posts for free. No bots, no weird surveys, and most importantly, no risk of getting flagged by Instagram.

And here’s why that matters:

  • A post that starts with zero likes? Invisible.
  • A post that starts with a small engagement boost? Way more likely to attract organic likes, comments, and shares.

It’s like setting the stage for your content to perform better. If you’re serious about growing your Instagram, why wouldn’t you take advantage of something that costs nothing and works?

Final Thoughts:

No, likes aren’t everything but they’re not dead either. Think of them as the spark that gets the fire going. Whether you’re trying to impress brands, beat the algorithm, or just make sure your content actually gets seen, a little boost goes a long way.

So, next time you post, try this:

  • Use Grum’s Free Instagram Likes Tool for an initial push
  • Post at peak engagement times
  • Encourage comments with an engaging caption
  • Follow up with stories to keep the momentum going

Because at the end of the day, Instagram success isn’t about vanity it’s about strategy. And if you can use a free tool to make things easier? Well, that’s just smart.