What Is the Top 10 Most Liked Instagram Post of All Time?

Instagram isn’t just where we post selfies or scroll through brunch pics anymore; it’s become something bigger. It’s a living scrapbook of our time, filled with emotions, milestones, and moments we share with the world. Some posts make us laugh out loud; others hit us right in the heart. And now and then, a photo lands that does more than go viral; it becomes a piece of internet history.

These are the posts we remember. The ones that made millions stop scrolling, pause, and feel something. Maybe it was a long-awaited victory, a farewell, or even something as random as an egg. But each one captured a moment with which the world connected. And in that connection, they racked up tens of millions of likes.

So, what’s the most liked photo on Instagram? And what else made the list? These aren’t just popular posts; they’re digital landmarks we all shared.

1. Lionel Messi’s World Cup Glory

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• Likes: Approximately 75.3 million
• Date Posted: December 18, 2022
• Description: A carousel post of Lionel Messi celebrating Argentina’s win in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Messi’s moment wasn’t just about holding a trophy; it was the reward for a lifetime of effort. After years of doubt, criticism, and constant comparison, Messi finally stood as the undisputed king of football. The images showed him smiling, overwhelmed, and tears welling up in his eyes as he embraced his teammates and lifted that gleaming golden cup. For fans, it wasn’t just a sports victory; it was deeply emotional.

And that’s why this post hit so hard. You didn’t need to be Argentinian or even a football fan to feel it. The years of struggle, the near-misses, and the unwavering dedication all came together in one glorious moment. The world united to like that post, to share in a celebration that felt larger than life.

2. The Egg That Broke the Internet

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• Likes: Approximately 60.4 million
• Date Posted: January 4, 2019
• Description: A photo of a plain egg was posted with the goal of beating Kylie Jenner’s record for the most-liked Instagram post.

An egg, a brown egg, no filter, no fancy caption, just an egg. And yet, it changed the internet. When the account @world_record_egg challenged Instagram users to like a simple picture of an egg and dethrone Kylie Jenner’s baby announcement, it became a movement.

What started as a joke snowballed into a massive wave of digital rebellion. It was random, absurd, and absolutely hilarious. Millions joined in. The egg wasn’t just an egg; it was us flipping the script on celebrity obsession and influencer culture. It reminded everyone that sometimes the internet wants to have fun.

Later, it got even deeper. The egg was used to raise awareness for mental health, turning viral attention into something meaningful—all from a single, uncracked egg.

Also Read: How Can I See Who Shared My Instagram Posts?

3. Ronaldo and Messi: A Game of Kings

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• Likes: Approximately 42.2 million
• Date Posted: November 19, 2022
• Description: A Louis Vuitton campaign photo of Ronaldo and Messi playing chess on a briefcase.

It was the crossover the internet didn’t know it needed. In the same photo, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, two of the greatest athletes of all time, are not battling on a pitch but engaged in a thoughtful chess game. The image was sophisticated, symbolic, and packed with narrative.

Louis Vuitton knew what they were doing. The photo metaphorically represented their storied rivalry, two brilliant minds locked in an eternal duel. Fans from both sides were thrilled. Instead of fueling a tired debate about who’s better, the photo honored both men for their greatness. It wasn’t just a campaign; it was art.

4. Kylie Jenner’s Touching Baby Announcement

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• Likes: Approximately 38.9 million
• Date Posted: February 6, 2018
• Description: A photo of baby Stormi holding Kylie’s thumb, marking her introduction to the world.

After months of speculation and radio silence, Kylie dropped a bombshell—in the softest, sweetest way. Her baby girl had arrived. And the internet lost it.

The image was pure and potent: a tiny hand wrapped around her thumb, symbolizing life, love, and new beginnings. People felt the tenderness. Fans had waited so long for a glimpse; this single photo delivered everything. It wasn’t flashy, it wasn’t filtered—it was honest and real.

That’s the magic. Sometimes, the most ordinary images carry the most significant emotional punches.

Also Read: Instagram Drafts: Everything You Need to Know

5. Billie Eilish Reinvents Herself

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• Likes: Approximately 23 million
• Date Posted: March 17, 2021
• Description: Billie Eilish debuts her platinum blonde hair, moving away from her iconic black and green look.

When Billie Eilish changed her hair, it felt like a cultural shift. She had become famous with her dark, edgy style oversized clothes, neon roots, and defiant attitude, so fans were stunned when she appeared with soft blonde waves.

The post wasn’t just about a hairstyle; it symbolized change, growth, and confidence. It said, “I’m not who I was before.” Fans applauded her vulnerability and authenticity. She broke the internet not by being outrageous but by being herself, and that’s rare.

6. A Farewell to Chadwick Boseman

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• Likes: Approximately 21.9 million
• Date Posted: August 28, 2020
• Description: A black-and-white photo with a statement from Boseman’s family announcing his death.

This one hurt. The post came out of nowhere. Most people didn’t even know Chadwick was sick. He had battled cancer quietly, privately, while still filming action-packed roles and inspiring millions.

The world was stunned. The post wasn’t just an announcement—it was a gut punch. The image of Chadwick, quiet and dignified, paired with the heartbreaking message, created an emotional tidal wave. Fans flocked to pay respects. Grief turned into admiration. He was more than a superhero—he was a symbol of strength.

Also Read: How To Invite Collaborators On Instagram After Posting?

7. XXXTentacion’s Cryptic Goodbye

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• Likes: Approximately 20.9 million
• Date Posted: May 20, 2018
• Description: A haunting final message posted before rapper XXXTentacion’s death.

The caption was eerie and introspective, almost like a whisper before the silence. Then came the tragedy—XXXTentacion was gone. Suddenly, the message took on a new meaning.

Fans poured in to comment, grieve, and hold onto something tangible. The post became a digital memorial. Whether you loved or questioned him, his death was felt worldwide. It reminded us of the thin line between public persona and private pain.

8. Jennifer Aniston Breaks the Internet

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• Likes: Approximately 16.6 million
• Date Posted: October 15, 2019
• Description: A selfie featuring the full “Friends” cast on Aniston’s first Instagram post.

Jennifer Aniston, beloved for decades, finally joined Instagram. And how did she do it? With the most iconic cast reunion selfie ever. One-click and boom, nostalgia hit like a freight train.

Fans of the 90s, millennials who grew up watching reruns, and even younger folks all freaked out together. It wasn’t just a debut but a celebration of an era. And the love poured in. Over 16 million likes for one perfect “we’re still here” moment.

Also Read: 250+ Caption Ideas For Your Instagram Fitness Account

9. Tentree’s Tree-Planting Pledge

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• Likes: Approximately 15.7 million
• Date Posted: April 22, 2019
• Description: A commitment to plant one tree for every like received, posted on Earth Day.

There is no celebrity, no glam. It’s just a company with a mission. On Earth Day, Tentree posted a simple image, pledging to plant trees based on the number of likes. And the internet responded in a big way.

It was hopeful, impactful, and beautifully simple. People wanted to help. They wanted their tap to mean something. The likes weren’t just likes—they were future forests. The post proved social media can do more than entertain—it can inspire change.

10. The Rock’s Island Wedding

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• Likes: Approximately 14.5 million
• Date Posted: August 19, 2019
• Description: Wedding photos of Dwayne Johnson and Lauren Hashian were taken in Hawaii.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is known for flexing muscles and cracking jokes. But in this post, he flexed something else in his heart. The wedding photos showed pure happiness, barefoot vows, and the ocean behind them.

There was no Hollywood glitz, just love, nature, and authenticity. It felt real, and fans loved it. This post was beautifully human for a man often seen as larger than life.

Also Read: What Does The Orange Flag Mean on Instagram DMs

Conclusion

When we double-tap a photo on Instagram, it’s rarely just about the image. It’s a silent nod, a way of saying, “I get this. I feel this too.” From Messi lifting the World Cup to a simple brown egg flipping the internet upside down, the posts we remember aren’t the most glamorous; they’re the ones that moved us.

These most-liked photos capture something tangible—a moment of victory, a quiet goodbye, a surprising shift, or even a shared joke that somehow made the world feel a little more connected. And that’s what makes them stick, not just because they were popular but also because they were honest.

In a world flooded with noise and filters, these posts broke through. They made millions stop scrolling for a second, or maybe longer, and feel something.

So maybe it’s not about being “most liked” after all. It may be about being most felt. And in this ever-scrolling world, that kind of connection? It’s everything.