Top 20 most-liked posts on Instagram

Standing out in the busy and ever-engaged world of Instagram can feel challenging, especially with a massive 95 million new posts showing up every day. Yet, some posts beat the odds, getting tons of likes and becoming famous on Instagram. These iconic posts, often from celebrities, prove that creativity and fandom know no limits.

If we look at the Indian Instagram scene, cricketer Virat Kohli's latest post celebrating the men's team's ICC T20 World Cup victory has become the most-liked Instagram post from India. At the time of publishing the post has garnered more than 18.5 million likes on the platform. The title was previously held by the wedding image of Bollywood stars Kiarna Advani and Sidharth Malhotra.

However, don't assume that only celebrities have the most-liked posts on Instagram; even an egg photo has left its mark, amassing likes beyond expectations.

With that bizarre statement, let’s dive into our list of the top 20 most-liked posts on Instagram.

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Most-Liked Instagram Posts: Which are the Top 20?

Instagram has become more than just a social platform – it fascinates many. Let’s explore the top 20 most-liked posts on Instagram (as of August, 21 2024) without further ado.

Rank & Account	No. of Likes (millions)	Date Posted & Post Link
#1 Leonel Messi @leomessi	75.2	December 18, 2022 View on Instagram
#2 Egg Gang @world_record_egg	61.1	January 4, 2019 View on Instagram
#3 Leonel Messi @leomessi	54.4	December 20, 2022 View on Instagram
#4 Cristiano Ronaldo @cristiano	42.4	November 19, 2022 View on Instagram
#5 Leonel Messi @leomessi	41.7	December 19, 2022 View on Instagram
#6 Leonel Messi @leomessi	34.2	December 21, 2022 View on Instagram
#7 Cristiano Ronaldo @cristiano/@alnassr	34.1	December 30, 2022 View on Instagram
#8 liz_6 @jiangzhibin24	34.0	August 5, 2023 View on Instagram
#9 Cristiano Ronaldo @cristiano	33.8	December 11, 2022 View on Instagram
#10 XXXTentacion @xxxtentacion	33.2	May 19, 2018 View on Instagram
#11 Leonel Messi @leomessi	32.6	November 19, 2022 View on Instagram
#12 Cristiano Ronaldo @cristiano/@georginagio	32.1	October 28, 2021 View on Instagram
#13 Cristiano Ronaldo @cristiano	32.0	February 27, 2024 View on Instagram
#14 pop_cj6 @pop_cj6	30.5	December 14, 2022 View on Instagram
#15 Leonel Messi @leomessi	29.5	December 14, 2022 View on Instagram
#16 Cristiano Ronaldo @cristiano	27.7	January 3, 2023 View on Instagram
#17 Cristiano Ronaldo @cristiano	27.6	January 19, 2023 View on Instagram
#18 Zendaya@zendaya	26.3	June 1, 2022 View on Instagram
#19 Leonel Messi @leomessi	25.8	December 29, 2022 View on Instagram
#20 Kylian Mbappé @k.mbappe	25.6	June 3, 2024 View on Instagram

Top 10 Most-Liked Posts on Instagram: A Deep Dive

Now, it is time for a deeper look into the most-liked photo on Instagram, as well as nine other most-liked posts:

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10. XXXTentacion

The tenth most-liked post on Instagram is of American rapper Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, better known by his stage name XXXTentacion. The image appears to be an artwork for the posthumous release of his album Skins. The rapper was fatally shot in a premeditated murder attempt outside a motorcycle dealership in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Skins is one of the projects, that XXXTentacion worked on before his death, and features appearances from Travis Barker of Blink-182 and Kanye West.

9. Cristiano After Portugal’s Elimination

FIFA-related posts usually exude celebration, but Cristiano adds a different dimension. Following Portugal's elimination, the soccer star openly displayed his discontent. Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to share his disappointment rather than conceal it resonated with many and ranked it among the top 10 most-liked posts on Instagram.  It has captured Ronaldo walking off the field after Portugal's loss to Morocco, marking their exit from the World Cup.

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8. Reel of a sunset

Last year, Instagram user jiangzibin24 posted a reel of a sunset that looked like the sky was on fire. This is not only one of the most-liked posts on Instagram, it is also the most-liked reel on the platform. This user has more than 2.4 million followers, and their bio mentions that the user is also a photographer.

7. Ronaldo joins Al Nassr FC

This post by Ronaldo after the announcement of joining Al Nassr FC is also ranked among the most-liked posts on Instagram. This came on the heels of the FIFA World Cup, which showcased football's finest talents. Ronaldo's decision to sign with Saudi Professional League's Al Nassr FC was made public by the club's official account. The announcement sparked a flurry of likes, reflecting the excitement among fans about his new football venture.

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6. Messi Celebrating Victory in Argentina

It's only natural to find Messi posing with the World Cup winner’s trophy, as conquering the World Cup is the ultimate accomplishment for football professionals. It is yet another of the most-liked Instagram posts from Messi. After a stylish return home, thousands of proud supporters warmly welcomed Messi and the Argentinian national soccer team. Naturally, he shared some cherished snapshots of the journey, securing his spot on this list with another impactful post.

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5. Lionel Messi with the World Cup trophy

Once more, Messi is seen proudly with the World Cup trophy, an achievement celebrated worldwide on social platforms. The iconic duo of Messi and the trophy has consistently attracted numerous likes and has been among the most-liked photos on Instagram, reflecting the global adoration for his victory. The enduring connection between Messi and the coveted prize has led to their frequent appearances together.

4. Ronaldo and Messi playing chess

The same Louis Vuitton-sponsored picture of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi playing chess was also shared by Ronaldo. Despite the sponsorship, the post showcased Ronaldo's playful side, engaging in a friendly chess match with Messi. The collaboration with Louis Vuitton added a fashionable touch to the shared moment.

3. Messi With FIFA Trophy

This lighthearted post by Messi is among his top 10 most-liked posts on Instagram. Messi is seen embracing the World Cup trophy in bed again. This whimsical moment captures his dedication, pride, and accomplishment after achieving a monumental feat. The image symbolises his journey to the pinnacle of success, evoking a grin as he cherishes the prize before drifting into sleep. Messi's contentment reflects his remarkable achievement in the world of football.

2. An Egg

An egg photo held the record of the most-liked photo on Instagram, with nearly 60 million likes for an extended period. Despite a modest following, this egg post represented an unconventional triumph on Instagram, ranking at the top despite other posts from celebrities. Chris Godfrey, the owner, orchestrated the egg's rise to fame. The egg held the record for 1,436 days until Messi's victory surpassed it.

1. Messi Celebrating World Cup Victory

In a historic moment during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi clinched victory for Argentina with a goal that secured their championship. The most-liked Instagram post is the iconic photo of Messi lifting the trophy after the triumph. Sharing the heartfelt moment, Messi's joy and pride radiated as he celebrated with fellow Argentinians, marking a monumental achievement in his career.