Over the years, Instagram has been home to some of the most iconic and record-breaking posts from our favourite influencers, and celebrities, and even unexpected viral moments. If you're an avid user of this ever-evolving platform, you've likely witnessed everything from stunning travel photos and jaw-dropping fashion moments to history-making snapshots that took the world by storm.
Some posts have truly stood the test of time—think back to Kylie Jenner’s first picture of Stormi, Lionel Messi’s legendary World Cup celebration, and even the simple yet mysterious egg that once held the title of the most-liked post on Instagram. Each year brings new viral sensations, and 2024 was no different. Social media saw a shift, with content becoming more interactive, AI-generated trends taking off, and creators pushing boundaries in ways we hadn’t seen before. The rise of short-form videos and new engagement strategies reshaped how users interacted with posts, proving that Instagram is constantly evolving.
Now, as we enter 2025, the question remains—what posts will dominate this year? Will we see another record-breaking celebrity moment? A surprise viral sensation? Or perhaps a new trend that redefines social media yet again? One thing is for sure: Instagram never stays the same for long. Let’s wait and see what 2025 has in store!
In the meantime, let's look back at some of the most-liked Instagram posts of all time:
1 - @leomessi
75.1M Likes+
Posted - 18th December 2022
Lionel Messi takes a top spot on this list. With over 75 million likes and counting, his celebratory post after Argentina’s historic World Cup victory is one of the most-liked Instagram pictures of all time.
It’s easy to see why. The image captures an unforgettable moment in sports history—Messi finally lifting the World Cup trophy, fulfilling a lifelong dream and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Fans around the world couldn’t help but show their love for this iconic moment.
2 - @worldrecordegg
60.9M+ Likes
Posted - 4th January 2019
Yes, somehow, the World Record Egg still holds its place in Instagram history as one of the most-liked posts ever. Originally uploaded on January 4, 2019, the egg set out to surpass Kylie Jenner’s most-liked photo—and it did so in record time, quickly going viral and accumulating millions of likes.
As of February 2025, the egg has amassed approximately 60.9 million likes, solidifying its status as the second most-liked post on Instagram. However, it was overtaken in 2023 by Lionel Messi’s FIFA World Cup 2022 victory post, which currently holds the top spot with over 75 million likes.
There’s still something quite humbling about a simple egg holding such a prestigious title in the social media world. A symbol of the internet’s unpredictable nature, it continues to capture attention years after its original post. Who knows what this viral sensation will do next? Keep reading to find out!
3 - @k.mbappe
25.6M+ Likes
Posted - 3rd June 2024
Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi holds a top spot on the list of the most-liked Instagram posts ever. With over 75 million likes and counting, his post celebrating Argentina’s World Cup victory is one of the most beloved images on the platform.
It’s easy to see why. This isn’t just a photo—it’s a historic moment in football. Messi, one of the greatest players of all time, finally lifting the World Cup trophy is a storybook ending that fans around the world had been waiting for. The overwhelming support on this post proves just how much this victory meant—not just to Argentina, but to football lovers everywhere.
4 - @kyliejenner
18.6M+ Likes
Posted - 6th February 2018
Naturally, Kylie Jenner holds the 2nd place title in this list. With 18.6 million likes and counting, Kylie Jenner’s first picture of her daughter, Stormi, is the second most-liked Instagram picture on the platform.
It's easy to see why. Not only is it an adorable picture, but it was shared by one of the most influential figures in the world of social media.
5 - @xxxtentacion
18.0M+ Likes
Posted - 19th May 2018
The devastating passing of American rapper and singer/songwriter, XXXTenaction, still affects the hearts of millions of fans around the world. Due to this, his final image has continued to gain thousands of likes as a way for fans to pay tribute and show their respect to the artist.
6 - @tentree
15.7M+ Likes
Posted - 22nd April 2019
In an attempt to further improve their positive effect on the environment, Earth-first, lifestyle and apparel brand tentree made “The World's Most Sustainable Post”. The post informed users that for very milestone set of likes, a number of trees would be planted.
For example, for 5 million likes, they’d plant 500K trees. For 20 million likes, 1 million trees would be planted. This is a perfect example of brands using social media for a greater cause.
7 - @jenniferaniston
15.5M+ Likes
Posted - 15th October 2019
With her epic arrival to the photo-sharing platform, Jennifer Aniston almost broke the internet with her photo featuring her Friends costars. It’s no secret that Jennifer Aniston is one of the most beloved celebrities of all time, so we aren’t surprised to see her sky-rocket up the list with her first-ever post.
The wholesome snap certainly got the recognition it deserves, with thousands of likes flooding in on the daily.
8 - @therock
14.7M+ Likes
Posted - 19th August 2019
Snatching up 6th place is The Rock with his absolutely adorable post from his wedding day. Tying the knot with Lauren Hashian on the 18th August 2019 in the exotic settings of Hawaii, The Rock quickly took to Instagram to share his joy and happiness.
Both celebs looked stunning and full of love as they smiled for the camera, earning them a well-deserved position in this list!
9 - @selenagomez
14.5M+ Likes
Posted - 11th February 2019
As the 5th most followed Instagram account, it's only natural to see Selena Gomez on the list. The post consisted of photos of Selena and her gal pals celebrating the recent engagement of one of their closest friends.
The group of women looked naturally beautiful as they snapped a selection of pictures on the beach. Total friendship goals!
10 - @selenagomez
14.5M+ Likes
Posted - 26th July 2019
Two in a row! Selena’s picture of herself looking stunning in Florence bagged her another 14.5 million likes, earning this post the 8th position on the list. Not only does the singer look stunning as she poses for the camera, but she also keeps things light and humorous with her photo caption.
11 - @kyliejenner
14M+ Likes
Posted - 10th September 2019
Ah Kylie, we were just waiting for you to show up again! Coming in at 9th position is Kylie’s photo with former boo and father to Stormi, Travis Scott. The glamorous model, beauty guru and influencer posed in the nude as she cuddled up to Travis, causing quite a stir in the comments section!
12 - @kyliejenner
13.7M+ Likes
Posted - 26th April 2019
Coming in at 10th place is, of course, another Kylie pic. This time it’s a photo of herself, Stormi and Travis, dressed up as popular Marvel characters as they celebrate the release of the Avengers: Endgame movie.
The trio look epic as they pose in front of a shiny, red Ferrari. Halloween 2020 costume ideas anyone?
13 - @kyliejenner
13.4M+ Likes
Posted - 6th December 2019
Whilst this next post is from Kylie’s Instagram account, it isn’t a selfie as you’d expect! Earning over 13 million likes from her loyal fanbase is a video of little Stormi showing off her skills on a snowboard.
We’re not sure how someone so young can balance on a snowboard so well and look effortlessly cool doing it... We can’t help but feel a little jealous.
14 - @justinbieber
13.4M+ Likes
Posted - 9th July 2018
What do you get when you add one of the most popular artists of all time with a world-renowned model? An Instagram photo with over 13 million likes, of course!
Justin’s heartfelt Instagram post sharing his engagement to model Hailey Baldwin gained millions of likes on Instagram, and it's clear to see why. The gorgeous black and white photos combined with the mushy caption make for a photo you just can’t help but love.
15 - @kyliejenner
13.3M+ Likes
Posted - 30th April 2019
Kylie’s heartfelt birthday post for Travis Scott earnt 13.3 million likes on Instagram, earning it a spot as one of the most liked posts. The carousel of images consisted of adorable moments of their time together.
What’s not to love?
16 - @tomholland2013
13.3M+ Likes
Posted - 22nd August 2019
Welcome to the Most-Liked Club, Tom! Tom Holland earns himself 14th place with his selfies featuring Avenger’s co-star and world-famous actor, Robert Downey Jr. The pair look like two peas in a pod as they grin for the camera.
We’re getting serious bromance vibes from this post and we’re here for it.
17 - @kyliejenner
13M+ Likes
Posted - 1st March 2018
With the first-ever public photo of her baby earning some of the most likes Instagram has ever seen, it's only likely that more photos of Stormi will do well on Kylie’s Insta feed. With that comes a celebratory post of Stormi reaching the tender age of 1 month.
The mother and baby duo look so snuggly as they pose for the camera outside of their family home.
18 - @kyliejenner
12.8M+ Likes
Posted - 27th October 2019
Next up is a post from, you guessed it, Kylie Jenner. It seems that Kylie’s daughter is stealing the limelight, as position 16 on the list goes to another post of baby Stormi with over 12 million likes.
This time, Stormi rocks a glamorous, purple outfit for Halloween 2019. The toddler certainly rocks the wig as she smiles and giggles for Kylie’s camera.
19 - @arianagrande
12.8M+ Likes
Posted - 8th September 2018
Ariana’s tribute to the late artist and record producer, Mac Miller, remains as one of the most-liked Instagram posts. With no caption and the comment section disabled, there was nothing but love for this post.
20 - @cristiano
12.8M+ Likes
Posted - 24th December 2018
We love a good Christmas Instagram snap, and so do 12.8 million other Instagram users as they double-tapped this festive post of Cristiano Ronaldo and his family.
Posing in Santa hats and his children dressed in various adorable Christmas pyjamas, the world-famous footballer wished all of his followers a very Merry Christmas back in 2018.
