What is the Most Liked Instagram Post of All Time? (2025 Updated Guide)

Instagram has become one of the most influential social media platforms in the world. With billions of active users every month, the app is not just a place to share photos and videos but also a global stage where trends are created, and history is written. One of the most fascinating aspects of Instagram is the competition for likes. People often wonder: What is the most liked Instagram post of all time?

In this article, we’ll dive deep into this question. We’ll explore the evolution of Instagram’s most liked posts, the current record holder in 2025, and why certain posts go viral while others don’t. By the end, you’ll not only know the answer but also understand how the Instagram algorithm, user psychology, and global culture shape these viral moments.

The Evolution of Instagram’s Most Liked Posts

When Instagram first launched in 2010, the idea of getting millions of likes on a single post was unimaginable. Over the years, as the platform grew, celebrities, athletes, and influencers started breaking records with each new upload. Let’s take a quick look back:

2018 – Kylie Jenner’s baby photo announcing the birth of her daughter, Stormi, reached over 18 million likes, making it the most liked post at the time.
2019 – The famous egg photo posted by the account @world_record_egg shattered all records, gaining over 55 million likes. The campaign was simple: beat Kylie Jenner’s record. And it worked! The egg became a cultural phenomenon.
2021-2023 – Celebrities like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ariana Grande started dominating the most liked posts with wedding photos, football victories, and personal milestones.
2022 FIFA World Cup – Lionel Messi’s post holding the World Cup trophy became one of the most iconic images in Instagram history, reaching over 75 million likes.

The Current Record Holder (2025 Update)

As of 2025, the most liked Instagram post of all time still belongs to Lionel Messi, celebrating Argentina’s victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His carousel of photos holding the trophy, surrounded by teammates and fans, has surpassed 75 million likes, making it unbeatable so far.

This record-breaking moment went beyond sports—it represented hope, victory, and unity for millions of fans worldwide. That’s why it resonated so deeply and went viral globally.

Why Do Some Posts Get More Likes Than Others?

Not every celebrity post goes viral. There are specific reasons why certain posts become record holders:

Global Events – Posts connected to world events (like Messi’s World Cup win) attract global attention.
Emotional Connection – Baby announcements, weddings, or victories create strong emotional bonds with the audience.
Community Challenges – The egg photo was not about the image itself but about a global challenge to break a record.
Celebrity Power – Accounts with massive followings naturally attract more engagement.
Timing & Algorithm – Posting at peak times when followers are active helps maximize reach.

How the Instagram Algorithm Impacts Likes

The Instagram algorithm plays a big role in determining whether a post goes viral:

Posts with high engagement in the first hour get pushed to more feeds.
Save and share metrics are just as important as likes.
Viral content often spreads through the Explore page and stories reshares.
Posts tied to trending topics or hashtags gain wider visibility.

Can the Record Be Broken Again?

Many wonder if Messi’s record will ever be beaten. While it’s possible, the bar is incredibly high. Future possibilities include:

A major world event (like the Olympics, or another World Cup).
Viral social campaigns (like another community challenge).
A groundbreaking celebrity moment (marriages, losses, or announcements).

Tips to Boost Your Own Instagram Likes

While you may not reach 75 million likes, you can still grow your own engagement by following some strategies:

Post High-Quality Content – Clear, authentic, and visually appealing posts work best.
Leverage Trends – Use trending audio, hashtags, and challenges.
Engage With Followers – Reply to comments, share stories, and interact with your audience.
Post at the Right Time – Research shows the best times vary by day (Fridays, for example, often perform very well).
Use Stories and Reels – These formats are prioritized by Instagram’s algorithm.

Final Thoughts

The most liked Instagram post of all time is more than just a number—it’s a reflection of culture, community, and the global power of social media. As of 2025, Lionel Messi’s World Cup victory post holds the crown, showing how sports and emotion can unite millions of people around the world.

But Instagram is always changing. Who knows? The next viral moment could be just one photo away.