How to Get More Instagram Likes in 2026: 7 Simple Tricks That Actually Work

Let’s be honest: getting engagement on Instagram is much harder today than it was a few years ago.

In 2026, the “Golden Era” of easy likes is over. The feed is crowded, the algorithm is picky, and users are scrolling faster than ever. You might spend hours editing a photo or filming a Reel, only to upload it and watch it get stuck at 20 likes.

It is frustrating. It feels like your hard work is invisible.

But here is the good news: you don’t need to be a celebrity to get engagement. You also don’t need luck. You just need to understand how the app works right now. The algorithm isn’t magic; it is a system based on momentum. If you give it what it wants (fast engagement), it will give you what you want: more likes.

Here is your simple guide to fixing your Instagram strategy in 2026.

1. The First Hour is The Most Important

Here is a secret many people don’t know: Instagram judges your post very quickly.

When you upload a photo or Reel, the algorithm shows it to a small group of your followers in the first hour. This is the test.

• If they double-tap (like) it, Instagram shows it to thousands more people.
• If they scroll past it, Instagram stops showing it.

If your post sits at 0 likes for the first 30 minutes, the algorithm assumes it is boring. You need to prove people are interested immediately. This is why timing matters—post when your audience is awake and active.

2. Give Your Post a “Kickstart”

Sometimes, even amazing content fails. Why? Because people are followers.

If users see a post with only 5 likes, they might skip it because they think, “This must not be very good.” But if they see a post with 500 likes, they think, “Wow, everyone loves this,” and they are much more likely to double-tap, too.

This is called “Social Proof.”

To get this social proof, many influencers and smart brands use a specific strategy. They buy Instagram likes immediately after posting.

This does two powerful things:

1. It Creates Velocity: It tells the Instagram algorithm that your post is popular fast.
2. It Creates Trust: Real people are psychologically more likely to like a post that already has likes.

This is often the secret weapon to break out of the “low engagement” jail that holds so many creators back.

3. Use Carousel Posts for Double Exposure

In 2026, single photos are getting harder to rank. The algorithm prefers “Carousels” (posts with multiple slides).

Why? Because Instagram often shows Carousels to users twice.

• First time: They see the first photo on their feed. If they don’t like it, they scroll past.
• Second time: Later that day, Instagram will show them the second photo from the same post.

This gives you two chances to earn a like from the same person. Ensure your second slide is just as good, or even better, than your first one.

4. Write Captions That Demand Action

A pretty picture gets a glance. A great caption gets a like.

Stop writing vague captions like “Sunday vibes.” Instead, write captions that encourage a reaction.

• Ask a specific question: “Coffee or Tea? Tell me below!”
• Use “Double Tap” prompts: “Double tap if you needed to hear this today.”
• Tell a mini-story: People love reading stories. If they read to the end, they are invested, and they will like the post to support you.

5. Engage Before You Post

Engagement is a two-way street. You cannot expect people to like your content if you never like theirs.

Many creators use services like Socibly to handle their growth strategy, but you still need to be active yourself.

Try the “10-Minute Warm-Up.” Ten minutes before you post, go to your feed and hashtags in your niche. Like and comment on other people’s posts.

• It wakes up the algorithm.
• It notifies other users, who often come to your profile to return the favor just as you are posting your new content.

6. Faces Get More Likes

This is a simple psychological fact that hasn’t changed in 2026: Humans connect with humans.

Data consistently shows that photos with faces get 38% more likes than photos without faces. Even if you are a product brand or a food blogger, try to include a human element.

• Holding the coffee cup (showing your hand).
• A selfie with the product.
• Behind-the-scenes shots of you working.

People want to like you, not just your stuff.

7. Geo-Tagging for Local Visibility

In 2026, Instagram search is hyper-local. People search for content in their city or neighborhood.

Always add a Location tag to your posts. But don’t just use “New York City.” Be specific. Use “SoHo,” “Central Park,” or the specific name of the café you are in.

When people search for that location, your post shows up. Since these people are often in that area or interested in it, they are highly likely to engage with your content. Local likes are some of the easiest likes to get.

Conclusion

Getting more likes on Instagram in 2026 isn’t about luck. It is about psychology and momentum.

Use Carousels to get double the exposure. Show your face to build a connection. And don’t be afraid to use tools to kickstart your engagement and build that crucial social proof. The algorithm is a machine—you just need to learn how to turn it on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why are my likes going down? This is usually caused by low reach. If your followers aren’t seeing your post, they can’t like it. You need to improve your “velocity” (how fast people engage) or post at a better time when your audience is online.

Does buying likes hurt my account? No, as long as you use a high-quality provider. Buying likes is a common marketing strategy to build “Social Proof.” It helps your post look popular, which encourages real organic users to stop scrolling and engage with you too.

Should I hide my like count? In 2026, most experts say no. Showing your like count acts as social proof. If you have a healthy number of likes, flaunt it. It signals to new visitors that your content is valuable and appreciated by others.

Do hashtags help with likes? Yes, but don’t overdo it. Use 5-10 highly relevant hashtags. If you use irrelevant tags just to get views, people will see your content, realize it isn’t what they wanted, and scroll past without liking.