Instagram likes have become a powerful measure of popularity, influencing trends, celebrities, and everyday users alike. From epic sports victories to heartwarming moments and viral sensations, some posts have captured the world’s attention like no other. In this article, we’ll explore the most liked Instagram posts of all time, revealing the stories behind the images and videos that have won the hearts—and likes—of millions across the globe.
Here’s a table on the most-liked Instagram posts of all time:
| Rank | Account Name | Owner(s) | Post Description | Likes (Millions) | Date Posted (UTC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | @leomessi | Lionel Messi | Celebrating winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup | 74.6 | Dec 18, 2022 |
| 2 | @world_record_egg | Chris Godfrey | An egg | 60.6 | Jan 4, 2019 |
| 3 | @leomessi | Lionel Messi | Messi in bed with the FIFA World Cup Trophy | 53.8 | Dec 20, 2022 |
| 4 | @rohman___oficial | Sahanur Rohman | Reel showing a beautiful view with favorite song | 49.8 | Mar 22, 2025 |
| 5 | @cristiano | Cristiano Ronaldo | Messi and Ronaldo playing chess (Louis Vuitton ad) | 41.7 | Nov 19, 2022 |
| 6 | @leomessi | Lionel Messi | Messi on airplane with the FIFA World Cup Trophy | 41.2 | Dec 19, 2022 |
| 7 | @emilio.piano | Emil Reinert | Reel of a girl singing “My Heart Will Go On” | 37.3 | Sep 8, 2024 |
| 8 | @kishore_mondal_official | Kishore Mondal | Reel singing “Jeene Laga Hoon” | 36.8 | Apr 11, 2025 |
| 9 | @cristiano | Cristiano Ronaldo | Cristiano Ronaldo icy dip in snowy Lapland, Finland | 35.9 | Dec 24, 2024 |
| 10 | @xxxtentacion | XXXTentacion | Final post before his death | 34.0 | May 19, 2018 |
| 11 | @leomessi | Lionel Messi | Celebrating 2022 FIFA World Cup win in Argentina | 33.7 | Dec 21, 2022 |
| 12 | @cristiano, @alnassr | Cristiano Ronaldo, Al-Nassr FC | Announcement of Cristiano Ronaldo joining Al-Nassr FC | 33.5 | Dec 30, 2022 |
| 13 | @cristiano | Cristiano Ronaldo | After Portugal’s elimination from 2022 FIFA World Cup | 33.3 | Dec 11, 2022 |
| 14 | @jiangzhibin24 | liz_6 | Reel of a sunset | 33.2 | Aug 5, 2023 |
| 15 | @leomessi | Lionel Messi | Messi and Ronaldo playing chess (Louis Vuitton ad) | 32.1 | Nov 19, 2022 |
| 16 | @aline_sarakbii, @mostafa_srakbi | aline-sarakbii, mostafa_srakbi | Reel of a baby | 31.7 | Jun 10, 2024 |
| 17 | @cristiano, @georginagio | Cristiano Ronaldo, Georgina Rodríguez | Pregnancy announcement | 31.7 | Oct 28, 2021 |
| 18 | @cristiano | Cristiano Ronaldo | Post in remembrance of Pelé | 31.5 | Dec 29, 2022 |
| 19 | @pop_cj6 | pop_cj6 | Reel of humans removing animal masks in front of animal mothers | 30.8 | Feb 27, 2024 |
| 20 | @leomessi | Lionel Messi | After 2022 FIFA World Cup match against Croatia | 29.1 | Dec 14, 2022 |
If you want, I can also help you convert this into HTML or markdown for embedding in a blog or article!
Table of Contents
Celebrating winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup (@leomessi)
Here he’s holding the World Cup trophy, completely immersed in joy and emotion — it’s the moment every football fan has dreamed of for him. You can see confetti flying everywhere, his teammates celebrating, and Messi just glowing with pride. This isn’t just a photo; it’s a piece of history. It’s no wonder it went viral and racked up millions of likes. Everyone from fans, players, even rivals felt a connection to that moment.
An egg @world_record_egg
@world_record_egg is literally just a plain brown egg sitting on a white background. That’s all there is to it! No celebrities, no fancy filters; just an egg. But here’s the thing: it broke the internet! The whole idea was to outdo Kylie Jenner’s most-liked Instagram photo, and guess what? It actually worked! People from all over the globe joined in just for the fun of it, smashing that like button to set a new world record. It turned into this hilarious, worldwide moment where everyone was like, “Let’s make an egg the most famous thing online.” And they did! Over 60.6 million likes — all for an egg!
Messi in bed with the FIFA World Cup Trophy (@leomessi)
It’s the iconic moment where he’s snuggled up in bed with the World Cup trophy — and it racked up an astonishing 53.8 million likes! That image is truly special because it’s more than just a celebration; it’s heartfelt, genuine, and full of emotion. After years of pursuing that dream, Messi finally clinched the World Cup, and there he is, lying in bed like a kid on Christmas morning, cradling it as if it’s the most valuable treasure in the world. Fans adored it because it captured his genuine love for the game and the trophy. It wasn’t over-the-top — it was real, and that’s why the entire world hit that like button.
Sahanur Rohman’s Viral Reel @rohman___oficial
Back in April 2025, a simply stunning Reel by creator Sahanur Rohman—featuring a sweeping panoramic vista paired with a beautifully matched soundtrack—captured hearts across Instagram and became the fourth-most liked post of all time. The video, seamlessly blending natural beauty with evocative music, resonated globally, amassing nearly 51.3 million likes—a remarkable feat for a non-celebrity, non-sports post. Its viral success underscores how authentic, visually compelling content—whether a touching human moment or a serene landscape—can transcend follower counts and dominate social feeds in today’s digital age.
Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) & Lionel Messi (@leomessi)
So, this one was truly legendary! Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) and Lionel Messi (@leomessi) together in a single photo! It wasn’t even an action-packed moment — it was part of a Louis Vuitton campaign, yet it captured something incredibly powerful: two of the greatest footballers of all time, sharing a quiet, reflective moment instead of battling it out on the field.
The post got 41.7 millions of likes across both their accounts.
Messi on airplane with the FIFA World Cup Trophy (@leomessi)
This photo got a jaw-dropping 41.2 million likes! Why? Because it showed the real, emotional side of Messi. After years of heartbreak and near-misses, he’d done it. And instead of some flashy celebration, it was just him lying there peacefully, hugging the trophy like it was a long-lost friend.
His fans connected deeply with that moment. It wasn’t just Messi’s win , it felt like a football fan’s dream. That’s why the world couldn’t stop liking, sharing, and celebrating it.
Reel of a girl singing “My Heart Will Go On” @liz_6
It’s just her singing “My Heart Will Go On,” but the way she delivers it? She looks absolutely stunning. Her voice is so pure and filled with emotion, and she sings it with such calm confidence that it genuinely feels like a scene straight out of a movie. There’s no flashy backdrop, no heavy editing — just pure talent on display.
That’s exactly why it went viral, garnering more than 37.3 million likes. Some people are drawn to those genuine, heartfelt moments, and this one really hits a chord.
A Melodic Hit: Kishore Mondal’s “Jeene Laga Hoon” Reel
In April 2025, rising singer @kishore_mondal_official went viral with a heartfelt performance of the Bollywood classic “Jeene Laga Hoon”, earning a spot among Instagram’s most-liked non-football Reels. The simple yet powerful moment struck a chord with audiences worldwide, amassing 36.8 million likes—making it the fourth-most liked non-sports Reel ever.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Arctic Dip Goes Viral
On December 24, 2024, football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo captivated fans around the globe by sharing an Instagram Reel of himself braving freezing conditions during a family trip to Lapland, Finland. Cheekily captioned “It’s just a little cold,” the clip struck a perfect balance of humility and humor, earning 35.9 million likes—securing its place as the ninth most-liked Instagram post overall instagram.com. The reel underscores Ronaldo’s immense global appeal extends well beyond his on-field heroics—this candid, joyful moment about embracing the elements resonated with audiences worldwide.
XXXTentacion (@xxxtentacion)
One of the most remarkable things about his Instagram is how it beautifully showcases his genuine, emotional bond with his fans. He was never just about the music; he openly shared his thoughts, struggles, growth, and love for his supporters.
His last post before his untimely passing in 2018 became legendary — a simple selfie with a caption about wanting to make a positive impact before he left. It’s haunting yet incredibly powerful. That’s why his posts, even the older ones, still attract millions of likes.
Lionel Messi (@leomessi)
On December 21, 2022, Lionel Messi shared a powerful image on Instagram capturing the moment he lifted the World Cup trophy over Buenos Aires’ jubilant crowds. Captioned in Spanish, “Don’t try to understand it. ARGENTINA. Through good and bad, I LOVE YOU,” the post resonated deeply, quickly earning around 34.5 million likes, securing its spot among Instagram’s top 10 most-liked posts ever instagram.com+1facebook.com+1. The photograph’s emotional significance—Messi returning home as a national hero after decades—struck a global chord, illustrating how moments of collective joy and pride can profoundly connect on social media.
Al-Nassr FC (@alnassr_fc)
This was the moment they announced Ronaldo’s transfer which sent shockwaves through the football community. Ronaldo can be seen here in the team’s vibrant yellow and blue kit.
This was a truly special moment because it was one of the biggest stars in football history making his way to the Saudi league, a little known league at that time. People were upset and happy, but still the post ended up with millions of likes and comments.
Messi’s Poignant Message After Portugal Exit
On November 30, 2022, football legend Lionel Messi posted an emotional image on Instagram reflecting on Argentina’s challenging 2–0 loss to Croatia that eliminated Portugal from the 2022 World Cup. Though somber in tone, the post resonated deeply with fans, earning 33.3 million likes—landing it at number 13 on the list of all-time most-liked Instagram posts. With its mix of vulnerability, sportsmanship, and Messi’s global appeal, the moment became a powerful example of how a single image can capture collective sentiment and connection shared across the football world.
A Golden Hour Sensation: liz_6’s Sunset Reel
Posted in August 2023 by user @liz_6, this mesmerising reel captures a breathtaking sunset with soothing ambient music—a simple yet powerful audiovisual moment that resonated worldwide. It earned an impressive 33.2 million likes, landing it at #14 on the all-time list of most-liked Instagram posts. The reel exemplifies the viral appeal of beautiful, serene content and highlights how even minimalistic nature visuals can captivate millions in today’s digital landscape.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s Louis Vuitton Chess Match
In November 2022, football legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi collaborated on a Louis Vuitton campaign featuring a chess match between the two. This image, posted on both of their Instagram accounts, quickly gained traction, amassing millions of likes. As of the latest data, the post on Messi’s account has garnered over 32 million likes, securing its position among the top 20 most-liked Instagram posts of all time . The campaign was widely discussed, with some fans expressing their desire for a real-life match between the two football icons.
Adorable Surprise: Baby’s Priceless Reaction Goes Viral
This popular Instagram Reel, shared by users @aline-sarakbii and @mostafa_srakbi, captures a sweet moment where a mom gently removes a towel from her baby’s face, revealing the baby’s priceless and adorable reaction. The genuine surprise and joy resonated deeply with viewers worldwide, making the reel a heartwarming reminder of life’s simple, precious moments. The video quickly gained popularity and has amassed over 31.7 million likes, securing its place among the most liked Instagram Reels of all time.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez’s Pregnancy Announcement
Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez shared a heartfelt pregnancy announcement on Instagram, revealing that they were expecting twins. This intimate moment quickly resonated with fans worldwide, amassing over 31.7 million likes. The post not only celebrated their growing family but also highlighted the couple’s deep connection and shared joy. As of 2025, this announcement ranks among the most liked Instagram posts of all time, underscoring the global impact of personal milestones shared on social media.
Cristiano Ronaldo Pays Tribute to Pelé
Cristiano Ronaldo honored the legacy of football legend Pelé following his passing in December 2022. In an emotional Instagram post, Ronaldo expressed his deepest condolences to Brazil and, in particular, to Pelé’s family. He described Pelé as an inspiration to millions, a reference of the past, present, and future, and acknowledged the affection Pelé had always shown him. Ronaldo concluded with a heartfelt message: “A mere ‘goodbye’ to the eternal King.”
Pelé, the only player to have won three FIFA World Cups, passed away at the age of 82 after a prolonged battle with cancer. His death prompted tributes from across the football world, with many highlighting his profound impact on the sport and his enduring legacy.
Reel of Humans Removing Animal Masks in Front of Animal Mothers
This thought-provoking Instagram Reel, shared by @aline-sarakbii and @mostafa_srakbi, features a powerful visual of humans shedding animal masks to reveal their true identities in front of animal mothers. The video quickly gained popularity, resonating with viewers worldwide, and has amassed over 31.7 million likes. Its impactful message and creative execution have made it one of the most liked Instagram posts of all time.
Messi Celebrates Argentina’s World Cup Final Berth
Conclusion
From unforgettable sports victories and iconic celebrity moments to heartwarming snapshots of everyday life and viral quirky sensations, these posts showcase the diverse ways Instagram connects millions worldwide. They prove that whether through triumph, tenderness, or humor, authentic moments have the power to captivate and unite audiences like nothing else in the digital age.
About Carson Derrow
