Top Most Liked Instagram Post What Went Viral
Hey there! Have you ever scrolled through Instagram and wondered what makes a post explode with likes? Picture this: a single photo or video that captures the world’s attention, racking up millions of hearts in just days.
That’s the magic of the most liked Instagram post. Today, we’re diving into the record-breaking world of Instagram likes, from the current champion to the all-time greats. Whether you’re a casual scroller or dreaming of your own viral moment, this guide will show you the stories behind those massive numbers. Let’s jump in and explore what makes these posts tick!\
What Is the Most Liked Instagram Post Right Now?
If you’re hunting for the highest likes on Instagram, look no further than Lionel Messi’s epic celebration after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Posted on December 18, 2022, this photo shows Messi hoisting the golden trophy high, surrounded by his triumphant teammates. As of September 2025, it boasts a staggering 74.7 million likes. That’s not just a number—it’s a global phenomenon!
Why did this post skyrocket? Well, Messi isn’t just any soccer star; he’s a legend with over 500 million followers. The World Cup win was Argentina’s first in 36 years, and for Messi, it was the crowning achievement after a career full of near-misses. Fans from every corner of the planet poured in their love, turning it into an emotional tidal wave. It hit 10 million likes in under 40 minutes and smashed past 50 million in the first day alone. Imagine the buzz—people sharing, commenting, and reliving that victory moment.
But it’s more than fame. This post tapped into universal feelings: joy, perseverance, and national pride. I’ve seen similar things happen in real life, like when a local team’s underdog win floods social media with cheers. It’s that shared happiness that propels likes into the stratosphere.
Top 10 Most Popular Instagram Posts by Likes
Curious about the full lineup? The list of most liked IG posts is a mix of celebrity triumphs, quirky challenges, and heartwarming moments. Here’s a quick table breaking down the top 10 as of September 2025, based on reliable records. These aren’t just random hits—they show how Instagram evolves with trends like reels and viral challenges.
Rank | Poster | Description | Likes (Millions) | Date Posted |
1 | Lionel Messi (@leomessi) | Celebrating 2022 World Cup win | 74.7 | Dec 18, 2022 |
2 | World Record Egg (@world_record_egg) | Photo of a plain egg | 60.6 | Jan 4, 2019 |
3 | Lionel Messi (@leomessi) | In bed with the World Cup trophy | 53.7 | Dec 20, 2022 |
4 | Kishore Mondal (@kishore_mondal_official) | Reel singing “Jeene Laga Hoon” | 51.4 | Apr 11, 2025 |
5 | Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) & Lionel Messi | Chess photo for Louis Vuitton ad | 41.6 | Nov 19, 2022 |
6 | Insta360 (@Insta360) | Video of tiny camera filming a toddler | 41.4 | Apr 22, 2025 |
7 | Lionel Messi (@leomessi) | On plane with World Cup trophy | 41.2 | Dec 19, 2022 |
8 | Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) & Travis Kelce (@killatrav) | Engagement announcement | 37.5 | Aug 26, 2025 |
9 | Emil Reinert (@emilio.piano) | Reel of girl singing “My Heart Will Go On” | 37.2 | Sep 8, 2024 |
10 | Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) | Icy dip in snowy Finland | 35.7 | Dec 24, 2024 |
See how sports stars dominate? Messi alone claims three spots! But newer entries like Kishore Mondal’s singing reel highlight how short, catchy videos are taking over.
Why Do These Viral Instagram Posts Get So Many Likes?

Ever wonder what turns a simple post into one of the most popular Instagram posts? It’s not luck—there’s a recipe. Take Messi’s top spot: His massive fanbase (over half a billion followers) combined with a historic moment created instant magic. The post wasn’t just a photo; it was a story of triumph after years of hard work. Fans felt connected, like they were part of the win.
Now, contrast that with the World Record Egg. Back in 2019, this plain egg photo was posted with one goal: beat Kylie Jenner’s baby reveal record. It worked because it was a fun, collective challenge. People liked it to “help” break the record, turning it into a meme frenzy. It shows how humor and community can drive likes without celebrity power.
The Power of Emotion in High-Like Posts
Emotion is key. Look at Kishore Mondal’s “Jeene Laga Hoon” reel from April 2025. This heartfelt cover of a romantic Bollywood song, possibly featuring young talents Krish and Kishore, struck a chord with music lovers worldwide. Why so many likes? It’s raw talent mixed with nostalgia—the song from the movie Ramaiya Vastavaiya evokes love and memories. I’ve hummed along to similar tunes at family gatherings, and that familiarity pulls people in.
Similarly, the Insta360 video of a tiny camera capturing a toddler’s first steps? Pure cuteness overload! Posted in April 2025, it blends tech innovation with adorable family moments, appealing to parents and gadget fans alike. Likes poured in because who doesn’t smile at a wobbly baby walk?
Celebrity Influence and Timely Trends
Celebrities like Taylor Swift amp up the game. Her August 2025 engagement post with Travis Kelce hit 37.5 million likes fast. Why? Swifties are a dedicated army, and this personal milestone felt like a fairy tale. It’s like when your friend announces big news—everyone wants to celebrate.
Trends matter too. Reels, introduced in 2020, have boosted like counts. Emil Reinert’s 2024 reel of a little girl belting “My Heart Will Go On” went viral for its innocence and impressive vocals. These short videos spread quickly, thanks to Instagram’s algorithm favoring engaging content.
In short, the secret sauce? Relatable stories, strong emotions, and perfect timing. No wonder these rack up the highest likes on Instagram!
The Evolution of Instagram Like Records Over Time

Instagram likes have come a long way since the app launched in 2010. Back then, posts topped out at thousands of likes. But as the platform grew, so did the records. Let’s stroll through this timeline—it’s like watching a popularity contest unfold.
It all started small. In 2011, Justin Bieber’s family photo grabbed 0.2 million likes. By 2013, his hug with Selena Gomez hit 2.2 million. Then came the Kardashians: Kim’s 2014 wedding kiss with Kanye West tied that at 2.2 million, holding steady for over a year.
Things heated up in 2015 with Kendall Jenner’s heart-shaped hair photo at 3.5 million. Bieber bounced back in 2016 with a Gomez kiss pic, but Selena herself topped it months later with a Coca-Cola ad at 6.6 million.
Key Milestones in Like Record History
- 2017: Beyoncé’s Pregnancy Glow – Her twin announcement post reached 10.6 million likes, a huge leap. It showed how personal life events can captivate.
- 2018: Kylie Jenner’s Baby Reveal – Stormi’s first pic got 17.7 million, proving family milestones rule.
- 2019: The Egg Takes Over – This quirky challenge smashed to 60.6 million, holding for nearly four years. It was a fun rebellion against celeb dominance.
Then, boom—Messi’s 2022 World Cup post dethroned the egg in just two days. It crossed 70 million, setting new benchmarks. As of 2025, it’s still king, but with reels rising, who knows what’s next?
This evolution mirrors Instagram’s shift from photos to videos and stories. Early records were static pics; now, dynamic content reigns.
How Likes Impact Instagram Fame and Business
Likes aren’t just vanity metrics—they shape careers and economies. For influencers, high likes mean more sponsorships. Take Messi: His record post boosted his brand value, leading to deals worth millions.
On a bigger scale, viral posts drive trends. The egg inspired copycat challenges, while Messi’s win sparked soccer fever worldwide. Businesses notice too—Louis Vuitton’s chess ad with Messi and Ronaldo (41.6 million likes) was marketing gold.
But there’s a flip side. Likes can pressure creators. Remember, Instagram hid likes in some regions to reduce stress. As an expert tip: Focus on engagement over numbers for real growth.
In real life, I’ve noticed small accounts go big with one viral post. A friend’s travel pic got thousands overnight, landing her partnerships. Likes open doors!
Comparisons: Instagram vs. Other Social Media Platforms

How do Instagram’s top likes stack up elsewhere? On YouTube, “Despacito” once held 50 million likes, but Messi overtook it. TikTok’s Bella Poarch lip-sync hit 60.3 million, close to the egg.
Instagram wins for photos, but TikTok edges in videos. Twitter (now X) focuses on retweets—BTS posts top there with millions. Facebook? Older crowds, but family shares get solid likes.
Cross-platform, Messi’s post is the all-time social media like king. It shows Instagram’s strength in visual storytelling.
Tips to Boost Your Own Instagram Likes
Want your posts to climb the like ladder? Here’s practical advice, drawn from what works for the big hits.
- Post at Peak Times: Share when your audience is online—evenings for most.
- Use Reels and Stories: Short videos get more visibility. Add music like Kishore did for that emotional hook.
- Engage Back: Reply to comments to build community.
- Hashtags Wisely: Mix popular (#Viral) with niche (#SingingCover) for reach.
- Quality Over Quantity: Crisp photos or fun edits stand out.
Start small: Try a challenge like the egg. Who knows? Your post could go viral!
Disclaimer: Likes fluctuate, and algorithms change. Always create authentic content.
Future Predictions for Instagram Like Records
Looking ahead, could Messi’s record fall? With Instagram pushing AI and AR filters, interactive posts might surge. Celebrity babies or global events like Olympics could challenge it.
Reels from emerging talents in India or Asia, like Mondal’s, are rising fast. By 2030, we might see 100 million likes on a single post. Exciting times!
Conclusion
Wrapping up, the most liked Instagram post isn’t just about numbers—it’s about moments that unite us. From Messi’s joyful triumph to the egg’s silly rebellion, these stories remind us why we love scrolling. They’ve evolved from simple pics to viral videos, showing Instagram’s power to connect billions.
As you post your next update, remember: Authenticity wins. Chase meaningful engagement, and who knows? You might just crack the top lists someday. Keep creating, and thanks for reading—drop a like if this sparked ideas!
FAQs
Q: What is the current most liked Instagram post?
A: Lionel Messi’s 2022 World Cup celebration photo holds the record with 74.7 million likes as of September 2025.
Q: Why did the World Record Egg get so many likes?
A: It was a fun challenge to beat Kylie Jenner’s record, turning into a viral meme that encouraged community participation.
Q: How can I get more likes on my Instagram posts?
A: Focus on high-quality content, use reels, engage with followers, and post during peak hours for better visibility.
Q: Has any post beaten Messi’s like count yet?
A: No, Messi’s post remains the top, but newer reels like Kishore Mondal’s are climbing quickly.
Q: What’s the difference between likes on Instagram and other platforms?
A: Instagram excels in visual posts, while TikTok favors short videos and YouTube focuses on long-form content likes.