The verified record for most liked Instagram post
The most liked Instagram post with verified, widely reported metrics is a photo of Lionel Messi holding the FIFA World Cup trophy posted by Instagram’s official account (@instagram) on 18 December 2022. The post reached approximately 77.9 million likes as of late 2024, shortly after the World Cup final. This record is widely cited in authoritative reports and press releases and remains the most consistently referenced milestone for engagement on the platform.
Post details and context
On 18 December 2022, Instagram commemorated Argentina’s World Cup victory by reposting an image from the trophy ceremony featuring Lionel Messi holding the Jules Rimet Trophy. The caption was brief, and the post appeared at the top of followers’ feeds, amplifying organic reach. Within hours, the like count surged past typical engagement ceilings for any individual or brand account, reaching a figure that remains unmatched as of 2024. Notably, the post was published by Instagram itself, which provided significant algorithmic and distribution advantages.
Why an official account matters
When a platform-owned account publishes content, the distribution mechanics differ from creator posts. Official accounts often appear at the top of feeds and explore placements, receive heavier initial push notifications, and can benefit from coordinated cross-product promotion (such as in- app banners and links on Facebook properties). These systemic advantages help explain why the Lionel Messi World Cup post achieved outlier levels of engagement compared with organic creator posts.
Author and account details
The post was published by @instagram, Instagram’s own global account, which functions as a hybrid brand channel and customer-support presence. The account has amassed hundreds of millions of followers and routinely publishes culturally significant moments. Because of the account’s credibility and reach, posts from @instagram are treated differently in news feed ranking and are often perceived as platform-curated moments rather than typical creator content.
Account metrics at the time of the record post
| Metric | Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Account | Platform profile | |
| Followers (Dec 2022) | Approximately 480–500 million | Platform display and press estimates |
| Post date | 18 December 2022 | Timestamp on Instagram |
| Reported likes | About 77.9 million | Platform count and company disclosures |
Notable comparisons
While the Messi World Cup post holds the top verified spot, several high-profile celebrity and news events have approached or exceeded 70 million likes, including tributes to public figures and major cultural moments. However, few have matched the combination of verified timing, official authorship, and unambiguous engagement metrics. Below are concise comparisons to highlight what distinguishes the record post:
- Official account post vs. creator post: Platform-owned posts receive algorithmic boosts that are generally unavailable to individual creators, making direct comparisons nuanced.
- Timing near a global event: The World Cup final and celebration created a rare convergence of audience attention, cultural relevance, and media amplification.
- Like counts as public milestones: Brands and creators often highlight like counts, but only a handful reach a clearly verifiable multi-million threshold with transparent screenshots and third-party reporting.
Engagement context and limitations
Instagram’s like counts are public by default for most posts, enabling real-time tracking and third-party reporting. However, like counts alone do not capture comments, shares, saves, or view time for video content. The Messi post’s exceptional visibility came from a blend of platform ownership, culturally resonant subject matter, and the timing of a historic sporting climax. For ongoing benchmarking, it is best to compare like counts only against other posts from official or similarly advantaged accounts.
Implications for creators and marketers
Understanding the scale and circumstances of the most liked Instagram post helps set realistic expectations about organic reach. Achieving tens of millions of likes typically requires either institutional advantages (such as an official account) or a once-in-a-cycle cultural moment that aligns with a massive, globally engaged audience. For most creators and brands, sustainable strategies focus on niche relevance, consistent storytelling, and community-building rather than singular record-breaking posts.
Status and forward view
As of late 2024, the Lionel Messi World Cup trophy post remains the most liked Instagram post with verified metrics widely reported in credible sources. Instagram’s product changes, algorithmic updates, and new formats can shift engagement patterns over time, so future record holders may differ in format or authorship. Nonetheless, this post continues to serve as a durable reference point for discussions about maximum reach and cultural impact on the platform.