In the digital age, social media serves not just as a platform for communication, but as a reflection of global culture, personal identity, and shared experiences. Among these digital arenas, Instagram stands out as a leading hub for visual storytelling, especially through its “like” feature — a seemingly simple metric that now serves as a powerful indicator of cultural relevance, popularity, and momentary unity across borders.
TL;DR
The most-liked Instagram posts in history showcase a remarkable range of human interests, from the charm of celebrities and historical moments to ironic cultural phenomena. This article delves into the stories behind these viral posts, why they resonated with the public, and what they reveal about user behavior on Instagram. From world record-breaking eggs to solemn tributes and celebrity announcements, these posts offer insight into what captures our collective attention. You’ll also see how emotional connection, timing, and social influence combine to create digital milestones.
The Power of the “Like”
Instagram’s “like” button may be passive in its functionality, but it wields undeniable influence in establishing social currency. When a post reaches tens of millions of likes, it becomes more than just a photo or video — it becomes a cultural artifact. Let’s examine some of the most-liked Instagram posts in history and explore the fascinating reasons behind their viral triumph.
1. The Mysterious Egg That Beat All Records
In early 2019, an innocuous-looking brown egg took social media by storm by becoming the most-liked post on Instagram. Originally posted by the account @world_record_egg, the goal was to surpass the previous record held by Kylie Jenner’s baby announcement photo.
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 result? Over 55 million likes — and counting.
This viral phenomenon wasn’t just about humor or irony; it illustrated the power of community-driven digital movements. With no celebrity behind it, the post became symbolic of the internet’s ability to favor randomness over curated perfection. It was also a reminder that authenticity — or even absurdity — can sometimes override conventional influence.
2. Lionel Messi’s World Cup Victory
If the egg represents irony, Lionel Messi’s celebration of Argentina’s World Cup win in 2022 represents pure emotion and triumph. Shortly after Argentina beat France in what many called “the greatest World Cup final ever,” Messi shared a carousel of photos lifting the trophy — images that instantly resonated with football fans and sports lovers across the globe.
His post garnered over 75 million likes, making it the most-liked post by a human to date.
This marked a moment of shared global celebration. Messi, long regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, had finally achieved the elusive World Cup title—a win many supporters believed he deserved.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s Iconic Chess Photo
Shortly before the 2022 World Cup, two football legends — Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi — appeared in a joint post for a Louis Vuitton advertisement, portrayed playing chess on a suitcase. The aesthetic and symbolism of the photo captured the imagination of millions, blending sports with style and silent rivalry.
The post received over 42 million likes and was a marketing masterstroke that merged cultural icons with luxury branding.
Both Ronaldo and Messi shared the photo on their accounts, and it quickly became one of the most-liked sponsored posts in Instagram history. The immense public interest in their professional rivalry undoubtedly contributed to its viral reach.
4. The Tragic Passing of Chadwick Boseman
Few events have shaken social media communities as deeply as the passing of actor Chadwick Boseman in 2020. The announcement, posted on his Instagram account, revealed he had privately battled colon cancer for years while filming iconic roles such as T’Challa in Black Panther.
The post, a simple black-and-white photo of Boseman with a heartfelt caption, currently has over 19 million likes.
Its virality was heavily influenced by the raw shock of untimely death and the inspirational legacy Boseman left behind. Mourning fans, peers, and even those unfamiliar with his work came together to honor his strength, dignity, and contributions to cinema and culture.
5. The Power of Personal Milestones: Engagements and Births
Another type of post that consistently resonates with Instagram audiences revolves around life milestones. Announcements of births, engagements, and other deeply personal moments often gather waves of support and admiration from fans worldwide.
Examples include:
- Kylie Jenner’s baby announcement (2018) — 18+ million likes, featuring her daughter Stormi’s tiny hand.
- Zendaya and Tom Holland’s birthday tributes — Each garners tens of millions of likes due to their massive fanbase and subtle relationship confirmations.
- Ariana Grande’s engagement post to Dalton Gomez — Proved that fans are as interested in love as they are in music and performances.
These types of posts form emotional connections with followers, fostering a sense of intimate access to a celebrity’s personal life.
The Influence of Timing and Emotion
One of the striking patterns across these most-liked posts is the convergence of timing and emotion. Whether it’s a joyful announcement, a communal celebration, or a tragic farewell, successful posts tap into emotions at just the right moment.
Psychologists and media analysts often point out that virality is not solely about content quality. Context matters just as much. The timing of Messi’s post, right after the final whistle of the intense World Cup final, made users more inclined to participate in the moment by liking and sharing.
Similarly, Chadwick Boseman’s death created an unprecedented wave of collective mourning — a sentiment that translated into social media engagement organically.
6. Seeing Yourself in the Moment
Behind every like is a complex equation of relatability, aspiration, and shared joy or grief. Whether it’s a football triumph, celebrity milestone, or tongue-in-cheek internet joke, the audience hits “like” because the moment adds meaning to their feed—and, even briefly, connects them to something greater.
This trend prompts a deeper cultural question: What do we value most in a world where attention is currency? Based on available data, the answer appears to be a mixture of emotionally resonant content, relevant timing, and social consensus.
A Glimpse into the Future
Instagram is constantly evolving, with new features like Reels and algorithm changes affecting user behavior. While the “like” button remains a staple, how we express engagement may shift in the future. Still, these viral milestones serve as cultural touchstones — snapshots of what we, as a global community, found meaningful at a particular moment in time.
As content creators, marketers, and users continue to navigate this shifting landscape, understanding the dynamics of such influential posts offers valuable insights.
Conclusion
The most-liked Instagram posts in history are more than just popular images; they are cultural timestamps that reflect shared experiences, values, and emotional highs and lows. From a record-breaking egg to the crowning moment of a football legend, these posts reveal the intricate subtleties of internet behavior and our collective digital heartbeat.
As we continue to document our lives and passions through this visual medium, it’s important to recognize how every like, share, and comment contributes to a broader narrative — one that connects millions through something as simple as a double tap.