The Most Liked Instagram Post: Exploring the Power of Social Media Virality

Instagram has become a dominant force in the world of social media, with over 2 billion active users around the globe. What began as a photo-sharing app in 2010 has evolved into a platform where celebrities, influencers, brands, and everyday people share glimpses of their lives. Amidst the massive volume of content that is posted daily, some images and videos manage to capture the attention of millions, achieving the rare distinction of becoming the most liked Instagram post.

The power of these posts goes beyond just the number of likes. They signify viral moments, reflect shifting cultural trends, and often set the stage for new social media phenomena. In this article, we will explore what constitutes the most liked Instagram post, how certain posts manage to go viral, and the impact of this online success.

most liked instagram post

Understanding Instagram's Like Culture

Before diving into the specific posts that have garnered the most likes, it’s essential to understand why likes matter on Instagram in the first place. Social media platforms like Instagram thrive on interaction. Every like, comment, share, or view provides feedback to the algorithm that dictates what content gets seen by others. A high number of likes signals to Instagram’s algorithm that a post is engaging, encouraging more visibility and, often, further interaction.

For Instagram users, a “like” serves as a quick, visible form of validation. The more likes a post gets, the more attention it receives, which can increase an individual’s social influence or a brand's visibility. In this context, getting millions of likes can be seen as a form of cultural currency—an indicator of wide-scale acceptance or appreciation.

The Journey to the Most Liked Instagram Post

The title of the most liked Instagram post has shifted over the years, with various high-profile figures and viral moments claiming the crown. However, the race to achieve this feat is often a mix of timing, relevance, and the sheer appeal of the content itself.

1. The Egg – The Ultimate Record Breaker

The current holder of the record for the most liked Instagram post, as of February 2025, is a simple, unassuming image of an egg. Posted on January 4, 2019, the account called @world_record_egg shared an image of a plain brown egg with the goal of breaking the previous record held by Kylie Jenner. The caption read: “Let’s set a world record together and get the most liked post on Instagram. Beating the current world record held by Kylie Jenner (18 million)! We got this.”

The egg, as a concept, was intentionally mundane and neutral, with no celebrity attached to it. It caught the collective imagination of Instagram users, who eagerly contributed to its success. Within ten days, it had surpassed 20 million likes, and by the time it hit 50 million, the egg had solidified its place in history.

While the egg’s popularity may seem strange, it reveals a larger trend in how social media users value novelty, simplicity, and collective efforts. People flocked to like the image not because of its visual appeal, but because it represented a challenge, a shared goal, and a humorous stunt that felt empowering.

2. Kylie Jenner’s Daughter Stormi’s Birth Announcement

Prior to the egg’s domination, the most liked post on Instagram belonged to none other than Kylie Jenner, one of the platform's most influential figures. On February 6, 2018, Jenner shared an emotional and heartfelt post revealing the birth of her daughter, Stormi Webster, with a picture of her newborn’s hand gripping her finger. The post included the caption: “Stormi webster 2/1/18.”

This post was so impactful because it tapped into a deeply personal moment in the lives of millions of followers. Jenner, who had built her brand on Instagram, made the announcement in a way that felt authentic and intimate. The simplicity of the image and the announcement made it relatable to many who could empathize with the joy of new motherhood. This moment resonated on a deep emotional level, leading to it becoming one of the most-liked posts in history with over 18 million likes.

Jenner’s post was a prime example of how a personal moment—shared on the right platform and at the right time—can resonate with an audience far beyond one’s immediate circle. It also illustrated how family milestones can generate massive engagement in ways that feel universally relatable.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Announcement of Twins

In 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the world’s most famous athletes, posted a heartwarming photo announcing the birth of his twins. The image showed Ronaldo holding his newborn babies in his arms alongside his partner, Georgina Rodriguez. The post received an overwhelming response, amassing millions of likes in just a few hours.

The reason this post was so successful was due to Ronaldo's immense popularity, coupled with the emotional significance of the birth of his children. His followers felt connected to him not only because of his footballing achievements but also due to the personal nature of the announcement. The combination of a globally renowned figure, a heartwarming moment, and a global fanbase resulted in one of the most-liked Instagram posts ever.

Why Do Certain Posts Go Viral?

While a few posts from celebrities have received the most likes, several factors contribute to why some posts go viral and others don’t. Let’s explore some of these key factors:

1. Timing

The timing of a post is crucial in determining its success. A post made at the right moment—such as during a public event, viral trend, or when global attention is focused on a specific subject—has a higher chance of being shared and liked. For instance, posts surrounding major life events, like weddings, births, or significant achievements, tend to garner more attention.

2. Emotional Impact

Many of the most-liked posts feature moments that evoke strong emotions. Posts that inspire joy, excitement, love, or even sadness, are more likely to resonate with a large audience. Emotional content encourages engagement, as people are more likely to like or share something that makes them feel a certain way.

3. Celebrity Influence

Celebrities have a unique ability to command attention on social media. Their massive followings mean that even the simplest post has the potential to go viral. A celebrity’s status and global reach are often the key factors behind the success of their posts. For instance, Kylie Jenner’s and Cristiano Ronaldo’s posts were able to reach millions because of their widespread popularity and influence.

4. Simplicity and Relatability

Sometimes, the most liked posts are the simplest. An image or video doesn’t need to be overly complex or glamorous to capture attention. The @world_record_egg, for instance, had no branding or flashy visuals, yet it became the most liked post simply because it was a fun, relatable, and collective challenge that invited participation from the masses.

The Impact of the Most Liked Instagram Post

Achieving the title of the most liked Instagram post can have several significant impacts:

  1. Cultural Influence: The post becomes a cultural touchstone, often referenced or discussed in the media and across other platforms. This increases its visibility and influence far beyond Instagram itself.
  2. Brand and Personal Influence: For celebrities, influencers, and brands, having the most liked post increases their relevance and can solidify their online dominance. It can be used to fuel further branding efforts and build connections with followers.
  3. Sociological Significance: The most liked posts often reflect trends or societal values, such as the importance of family, community challenges, or the influence of famous individuals. They help shape the broader cultural conversation and reflect the types of content that connect with a global audience.

Conclusion

Instagram has transformed how we communicate, and the most liked posts on the platform reflect the diversity of content that resonates with users worldwide. From a simple egg to personal milestones like birth announcements, these posts reveal how moments of human connection, humor, and celebrity can converge to create viral success. As Instagram continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see what types of content will dominate the platform in the future and what the next “most liked” post will look like. Until then, we can reflect on the profound impact these viral moments have on our digital culture.

Scroll to Top