Most Liked Instagram Post of All Time and Why It Went Viral

Introduction: The Culture of Likes on Instagram

Instagram has grown into one of the most influential social platforms in the world, shaping trends, influence, and digital culture. Among its many metrics, the "like" remains the most visible and culturally significant form of engagement. A single post that amasses millions — or even tens of millions — of likes becomes a global talking point, often spilling into mainstream news. Over the years, surprising winners have held the crown for the most liked Instagram post of all time, ranging from celebrity life events to a humble stock photo of an egg.

In this guide, we’ll explore the current record holder, chart the history of past champions, uncover what drives viral success, and share actionable lessons for creators, brands, and everyday users to increase engagement with authenticity.

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The Current Most Liked Instagram Post

As of early 2024, the undisputed leader for most liked Instagram post of all time is Lionel Messi’s celebratory carousel following Argentina’s FIFA World Cup 2022 triumph. This post captivated audiences across borders with its blend of sportsmanship and heartfelt sentiment.

• Type: Carousel featuring high-resolution celebration photos.
• Caption: A bilingual note expressing gratitude and reflecting on the victory.
• Date Posted: December 18, 2022.
• Likes: 75 million+ (still growing).
• Comments: 2 million+.

Messi’s post edged out the viral “world_record_egg,” proving how quickly Instagram’s engagement leaderboard can change when a post aligns with a moment of shared human emotion.

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Historical Timeline of Record-Holding Posts

Instagram’s like records have shifted noticeably over time, with cultural milestones and internet humor both claiming the top spot.

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Why Certain Posts Go Viral

1. Timing Is Everything

Posts tied to global, emotionally charged events — such as a World Cup final, high-profile wedding, or celebrity birth — land at precisely the right moment to capture widespread attention.

2. Audience Size and Affinity

While a large follower count helps, size isn’t everything. The egg post had zero celebrity association, but its absurd humor and clear challenge resonated globally.

3. Platform Trends

Instagram’s algorithm favors posts that gain rapid interaction. Early momentum boosts visibility on Explore and hashtag pages, amplifying reach.

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Engagement Analysis: Likes vs Comments

The most liked Instagram post of all time is an impressive benchmark, but engagement metrics are multi-dimensional. Comments, shares, and saves offer deeper insight into how a post resonates.

Ratio differences reveal that humor-driven content often sparks more conversation, while momentous events generate faster likes but fewer lengthy discussions.

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The Role of Memes, Challenges, and Community Power

The world record egg perfectly illustrates the viral potency of a meme. The concept was direct: beat Kylie Jenner’s like record. This challenge fueled participation worldwide, tapping into:

• Simplicity – Instantly understood.
• Shareability – Easy to repost or screenshot.
• Humor – Playfulness that encouraged engagement.

Community-led campaigns can bypass algorithmic and follower barriers, proving that scale can emerge from collective action.

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Celebrities, Influencers, and Brands: Maximizing High-Like Potential

Well-established accounts understand that authentic, emotionally resonant posts often win big. Strategies include:

• Celebrities: Share personal, behind-the-scenes milestones (weddings, births, awards).
• Influencers: Tap into current trends, collaborate with peers, and maintain genuine community interaction.
• Brands: Align with cultural moments, sometimes leveraging celebrity or meme partnerships.

These approaches blend reach with relevance for optimal high-like potential.

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Lessons for Regular Users and Creators

Even without a massive following, you can apply these principles:

• Find relatable universals: Pets, humor, kindness, and food are global crowd-pleasers.
• Post with timeliness: Sync with trending topics or major events.
• Use shareable formats: Multi-image carousels, memes, and short videos are more likely to spread.
• Be authentic: Honest content builds long-term connection and engagement.

Consistency in these practices maximizes the chance of outsized visibility.

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Ethical Considerations: Authenticity vs Clickbait

Pursuing likes should never come at the expense of integrity:

• Avoid false promises or suggestive clickbait.
• Do not exploit sensitive events for attention.
• Be mindful of mental health, avoiding unhealthy comparisons or pressure.

Authenticity safeguards credibility and audience trust.

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The Future: Predicting the Next Record Holder

Potential drivers for the next record-breaking post include:

• Interactive Formats: AR effects, tappable polls, and gamified content.
• Short-Form Video: As Reels gain priority, the next viral hit may not be a still image.
• Cross-Platform Momentum: Viral TikTok or YouTube trends may spill into Instagram engagement.
• Global Events: Sporting events, blockbuster film releases, or charity challenges.

With trends evolving rapidly, the crown could land with a celebrity, a brand, or an unknown individual whose post captures the cultural moment.

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Conclusion and Key Takeaways

The mantle of most liked Instagram post of all time has shifted from music icons to reality stars, meme accounts, and world champion athletes. The throughline is clear: content that taps into collective emotion, timeliness, and relatability is primed for viral success.

For anyone aiming to boost engagement:

• Harness shared experiences and emotions.
• Time your posts to align with public interest peaks.
• Balance authenticity with creativity.

While likes are an important social metric, the ultimate goal should be building lasting, meaningful relationships with your audience.

Ready to grow your Instagram presence? Apply these principles today and track your progress toward creating your own moment of viral impact.