How to See What Someone Likes on Instagram Without Alerting Them: 6 Methods that Work

Instagram doesn’t exactly make it easy to snoop around, especially if you are trying to see what someone has been liking without setting off alarm bells. Gone are the days when the “Following” tab let you quietly look into someone’s Instagram likes. Now, you have to get a little creative.

According to a study, 62% of people open social media apps without a specific reason. That mindless scrolling is where most likes happen. They may not even realize what they are engaging with, but if you are paying attention, those likes can say a lot.

Whether you are being nosy for fun or trying to decode someone’s interests, the goal is the same: get the information without making it obvious. In this article, we will break down 6 ways to see what someone likes on Instagram without making it weird. 

Can You See What People Like on Instagram? Here’s the Truth

Yes, it is possible to see what someone likes on Instagram, but not through the app itself. Instagram doesn’t make it easy to track someone’s likes directly. The old “Following” tab that once showed who liked what is long gone, and profiles no longer display a person’s recent activity in that way.

But that doesn’t mean it is impossible. If you are wondering how to see what someone likes on Instagram, there are still a few indirect ways to figure it out. These methods don’t involve accessing their account or getting notified – they just take a bit more effort and observation.

Instagram may have tightened its privacy, but patterns, visible interactions, and smart tools can still help you piece things together. You won’t get a neat list of every post they have liked, but you can still get a surprisingly clear picture if you know where to look.

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Before You Learn How to See What Someone Liked on Instagram, Understand How the Algorithm Works

If you’re trying to figure out ways to see someone’s likes on Instagram without them knowing, it helps to know what you are up against, starting with the algorithm itself.

Instagram doesn’t show likes publicly in the way it used to. The platform now tailors what you see based on your activity, interests, and interactions. This means your Explore feed, suggested posts, and even the accounts shown on top of your DMs are based on signals like who you follow, what you watch, and yes, what you like.

The algorithm also personalizes each user’s experience. So, unless you are directly observing someone’s activity, you won’t naturally see what they are engaging with. Their likes won’t just show up in your feed.

That’s why, if you are serious about how to see what someone liked on Instagram discreetly, you need to work around the algorithm’s limitations. It is about knowing how it behaves so you can spot indirect clues without drawing attention.

How Can You See What Someone Likes on Instagram Without Them Knowing: 6 Proven Techniques

Here are six smart ways to spot what someone likes on Instagram without them ever knowing. 

1. Use XNSPY 

XNSPY is a powerful monitoring app designed for those who want deeper insights into someone’s phone activity. While Instagram itself doesn’t openly show what a person likes, XNSPY can bridge that gap. 

While you won’t get a neat list of every post someone liked, XNSPY makes it possible to piece together that information through a combination of features. Its Instagram chat monitoring lets you read DMs and group messages, which reveal what type of content someone likes. 

XNSPY also takes periodic screenshots of Instagram activity, so if they are browsing, scrolling, or liking posts, there is a good chance you will catch it. Social media usage logs show exactly how much time they spend on Instagram and when – helpful if you are trying to spot behavioral patterns. 

Combined with browsing history and installed app logs, XNSPY offers a discreet but thorough way to see what someone likes on Instagram without them ever knowing. 

Here’s how you can do this: 

1. Purchase an XNSPY package best suited to your needs and install the app. 
2. Log in to your XNSPY dashboard from any web browser. 
3. Navigate to the Screen Recordings section to view Instagram activity. 
4. Review the captured data for patterns in likes and searches. 

2. Checking their Following List

One of the most straightforward ways to understand someone’s interests on Instagram is by looking at the accounts they follow. By browsing the accounts of creators or brands in their following list, you can figure out the type of content on Instagram they are liking. 

You can further confirm this by going through those pages, looking for posts that are aligned with the target user’s taste, and checking for their like on them.

To do this properly, follow these steps:

1. Open the Instagram app and visit the person’s profile.
2. Tap on the “Following” section located under the bio. 
3. Scroll through the list to identify followed accounts. 
4. Visit each profile to explore the kind of content being posted and their likes on it. 

While relying on followed accounts can offer useful clues, the method has limitations. Not every followed profile reflects current interests, and liked posts may involve content from accounts they don’t follow. Plus, unless you’re following them, you won’t be able to see which posts they’ve liked from these accounts.  

3. Utilizing Third-party Apps

When exploring how can you see what someone likes on Instagram without alerting the user, third-party apps offer a potential solution. Tools like InstaFollow and others work by analyzing public interactions, like visible likes on public posts from followed accounts. 

Others may require login access to the target account, which raises both ethical and privacy concerns. While these tools aren’t officially supported by Instagram and can sometimes be unreliable, they remain popular among users looking for more detailed insights than the app itself allows.

The best way to use these tools is as follows: 

1. Choose a reputable app with strong reviews and transparent policies. 
2. Install the app on your device and create an account if required. 
3. Link the target Instagram profile through login credentials or tracking settings. 
4. Access the activity dashboard to review like content and engagement patterns. 

However, it is important to note that even though third-party apps offer convenience, they do have their share of serious drawbacks. Many of these violate Instagram’s terms of service and risk account suspension. Accuracy is not guaranteed, and it can also cause user privacy to be compromised. 

4. Manually Going Through Posts 

A practical and no-tech method to figure out someone’s Instagram activity is by manually browsing posts from accounts they might engage with. Many users consistently like posts from specific creators or brands. By checking the like lists on these posts, it’s possible to spot a username and gain insight into their preferences. 

Here’s how to see what posts someone likes on Instagram without alerting the target: 

1. View public profiles of the people the person is likely to interact with. 
2. Open recent posts from those accounts.
3. Look out for profile bubbles over the like count. 
4. Keep a lookout for the type of reels or posts on which the like is present. 

This method is private and free, but it can be time-consuming and doesn’t guarantee results. Instagram only displays a limited number of likes, and private account interactions remain hidden. 

5. Checking Through Mutual Followers

One of the first things people try when wondering “how do you see what someone likes on Instagram” is scanning posts from mutual followers. People often engage with content shared by friends or familiar accounts, especially those they follow in common with others. 

Exploring posts from mutual connections reveals patterns of interaction and helps identify the type of content someone likes. 

Here’s how to do it right:

1. Open the target’s Instagram profile and tap on the “Following” list. 
2. Identify mutual followers by comparing them with your own following list. 
3. Visit shared connections’ profiles and look through their recent posts. 
4. Check for likes or comments from the target on those posts. 

While useful, this method depends on the visibility of mutual accounts. Private profiles and low activity can limit how much you uncover. 

6. Looking at Their Instagram Stories

Instagram stories can offer subtle clues about someone’s interests and engagement habits. While stories don’t directly show likes, they often feature reposts of recently liked content, shared posts from favorite accounts, or interactions through polls and stickers. 

Observing what someone shares and how they respond to others can provide insight into their preferences. 

Here’s how to see what people liked on Instagram secretly using this method:

1. Visit the target’s profile and watch any stories they’ve posted. 
2. Look for reposted content, especially from creators or brands. 
3. Check for patterns in who they tag or interact with through stickers or polls.
4. Review Stories of followed accounts to spot where the target might be reacting or engaging. 

This method is discreet and doesn’t require tools, but it only offers indirect clues. Not all likes translate to stories, and frequent story posters may mix personal and random content. Additionally, if the profile is private, you must be their follower to view any of their stories or interactions.  

How to Have a Conversation If You Are Worried About Their Instagram Likes

Feeling concerned about someone’s Instagram activity, especially the kind of content they are liking, can be uncomfortable. Before jumping to conclusions or becoming overly suspicious, starting a calm, respectful conversation can go a long way. Below are five helpful tips for addressing concerns thoughtfully. 

1. Get Clarity on Why It Is Bothering You

Before starting any conversation, take a step back and ask yourself why their Instagram likes are bothering you. Is it about trust, boundaries, insecurity, or just curiosity that spiraled? 

Sometimes it feels easier to obsess over likes than to face what we are really feeling. Knowing your “why” helps you stay grounded in the conversation and keeps it from turning accusatory.

2. Don’t Jump Straight Into Accusations

If you have already looked into how to see what reels someone likes on Instagram without the target person knowing, you are probably carrying a bit of tension. That is understandable, but try not to bring it into the conversation as blame. 

Start by sharing how you feel, not what you have seen. For example, “I have been feeling a little unsure lately when I see certain types of content being liked” opens the door without slamming it shut.

3. Create a Safe Space for an Honest Talk

Timing and tone matter. Choose a calm moment – not mid-scroll rage – to bring it up. Make it clear that this isn’t about attacking them, but about trying to understand where you both stand on boundaries and digital behavior. A healthy relationship includes space for these conversations. Let them talk without interruption, and really listen.

4. Talk About Boundaries, Not Surveillance

It is tempting to ask, “Why did you like that reel?” But that usually puts people on the defensive. Instead, shift the focus to digital boundaries. Everyone has different lines when it comes to social media. 

Maybe they think liking a reel is harmless, while it feels more significant to you. This isn’t about policing – it is about understanding each other’s comfort zones.

5. Decide If You Need Clarity or Closure

After the conversation, you might still be curious about what exactly they are liking. That is where the thought of seeing what content they like on Instagram often sneaks in. But ask yourself – will that give you peace, or more questions? If trust is still shaky after you have talked, it may be a sign the issue runs deeper than just social media.

FAQs

How to see what posts someone likes on Instagram without installing software?

To get a sense of what someone likes on Instagram without using any software, start by checking their following list. People regularly engage with accounts they follow, so exploring those profiles can reveal the kind of content they’re interested in. As a next step, try manually going through posts from those accounts. Open recent posts and tap the likes to see if their username appears. This method requires time and patience, but it’s a safe, private way to observe patterns without logging in to their account or installing tracking tools.

How to see what reels someone likes on Instagram?

Instagram doesn’t publicly show which Reels someone has liked, but there are ways to find clues. Start by checking their Instagram stories, where users often repost Reels they enjoy. While this can reveal a few favorites, it’s limited. For a more complete view, XNSPY offers a smarter solution. Its screen recorder feature can capture Reel activity, including likes and searches, without alerting the person. This makes it easier to track Reel interactions discreetly and thoroughly. 

How to see what your friends liked on Instagram if they use multiple accounts?

To see what your friends liked, you would need to follow all their public accounts. From there, you can check mutual likes on public posts or browse the content posted by accounts they follow to look for visible engagement. Keep in mind, Instagram’s privacy settings limit how much of this activity is shown. If their accounts are private or you don’t follow them, you won’t see their likes. Multiple accounts mean more effort and less visibility for anyone trying to keep track.

How do you see what someone likes on Instagram if they have restricted or blocked you?

If someone has restricted or blocked you on Instagram, you won’t be able to view their Instagram like through your account. In situations like this, traditional methods won’t work, but monitoring tools like XNSPY can help you get around the limitation. XNSPY runs quietly on the target device and captures real-time activity, including Instagram usage. With features like screen recording and periodic screenshots, it can show you what reels or posts they are interacting with, even if you are blocked. 

How to see what people liked on Instagram if they use the web version?

If you are stuck wondering how to see what your friends liked on Instagram, and they are using the web version, it takes a bit more strategy. One way is to track mutual accounts. Go to the public pages you both follow and check recent posts. If their username shows up under the likes, that’s one clue, but it’s hit or miss. For a more reliable option, tools like XNSPY are built for this. It tracks web browsing activity and can take real-time screenshots of what’s happening on the device. So even if your friend is using Instagram in a browser, you’ll still get visual proof of what they’re viewing or liking, without needing access to their account.