Top 17 Most Liked Instagram Posts of All Time

When you’re up against billions of monthly users and a fast-moving algorithm, grabbing attention on Instagram is not an easy task.

This article breaks down the most liked Instagram posts and unpacks what made them so engaging. From iconic sports victories to heartfelt tributes, these posts reveal how emotion, timing, and storytelling can drive massive engagement online.

The 17 Most Liked Posts on Instagram

What does it take to rack up millions of likes on social media? Here’s a list of the most liked Instagram posts and why each captured the internet’s attention.

1. Lionel Messi Lifting the World Cup Trophy: 74m, 2022

Lionel Messi takes the top spot for the most liked post on Instagram for his picture following Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup win. His victory photo with the trophy quickly went viral, capturing raw emotion and a career-defining achievement. Messi also took home another title, achieving the most liked picture on Instagram in 24 hours.

2. The Egg: 60m, 2019

In 2019, the @world_record_egg account asked the internet to like a simple stock photo of an egg to break the Instagram like record, and it worked. The viral experiment proved you don’t need fame, filters, or followers to go big — just good timing and internet momentum.

3. Messi in Bed with the Trophy: 53m, 2022

The follow-up to Messi’s trophy-lifting post was just as iconic — this time, he was holding the cup in bed. The post added a touch of humor to the win that fans couldn’t resist, showing a lighter, more relatable side of an athlete often seen as serious and focused. 

4. Messi and Ronaldo Playing Chess: 41m, 2022

Luxury meets legacy in this Louis Vuitton ad that featured Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the two greatest footballers of their era, in a staged chess match. The imagery was symbolic — two minds, one game, and a subtle nod to their rivalry.

5. Messi on a Plane with the Trophy: 41m, 2022

The World Cup celebrations didn’t stop on the field. This casual photo of Messi with the trophy mid-flight built on the event’s momentum and gave fans a candid peek into his personality.

6. Girl Singing “My Heart Will Go On”: 37m, 2024

A viral reel of a 3-year-old girl singing the Titanic theme unexpectedly became one of Instagram’s most liked videos. Her moving voice, genuine expression, and timeless song choice created an unforgettable performance that resonated emotionally with millions.

7. XXXTentacion’s Final Post: 34m, 2018

Posted shortly before XXXTentacion’s death, this black-and-white photo became the late rapper’s only post. Fans shared an outpouring of tributes, turning the image into a digital memorial and one of the most liked posts on the platform.

8. Ronaldo’s Icy Dip in Lapland: 33m, 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo diving into freezing waters in Finland provided scenic views and an impressive display of resilience. Cold-water immersion is a trending theme in wellness circles, and the post reinforced Ronaldo’s reputation for peak conditioning.

9. Messi Celebrating World Cup Win in Argentina: 33m, 2022

This post captured Messi celebrating with fans back home. Emotional, historic, and overflowing with national pride, it showed the win's impact on both him and his country. 

10. Ronaldo Joining Al-Nassr FC: 33.5m, 2022

The football legend’s announcement that he was joining Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr made headlines worldwide and gained traction on Instagram, too. It marked a new chapter in his legendary career, drawing excitement from fans worldwide.

11. Ronaldo After Portugal’s World Cup Elimination: 33m, 2022

This somber post of Ronaldo walking off the pitch after Portugal’s loss touched fans with its vulnerability. The image stood out as a rare glimpse into the emotional toll of professional sports and the weight of expectations.

12. Sunset Reel: 33m, 2023

This cinematic sunset reel wowed viewers with clouds that looked almost 3D and a sky lit up in vivid shades of orange, red, and yellow. It reminded people how powerful simple visuals can be — and showed even quiet moments can go viral.

13. Singer Performing "Milne Lage Dil": 33m, 2025

A black-and-white reel of a young boy singing with emotion and confidence quickly captured millions of hearts. His strong vocals and heartfelt delivery resonated across cultures, proving just how far clips can travel on social media.

14. Ronaldo’s Re-Post of the Louis Vuitton Chess Ad: 32m, 2022

Yes, the same photo again — this time from Ronaldo’s account. Fans showed up to support the sports star and appreciated the cross-post of a now-iconic image.

15. Reel of a Baby: 31m, 2024

This short video of a baby smiling captured the attention of viewers worldwide for its pure, unscripted cuteness. It struck a universal chord, providing the kind of joy and innocence that cuts through the noise on social media. 

16. Ronaldo's Twin Pregnancy Announcement: 31m, 2021

When Cristiano Ronaldo shared on Instagram that he and his wife, Georgina Rodriguez, were expecting twins, fans flooded the post with congratulations and love. This intimate update combined celebrity intrigue with family joy. 

17. Ronaldo Honoring Pelé: 31m, 2022

A heartfelt tribute post by Ronaldo to the late football legend Pelé reflected the connection between sports legends across generations and resonated with fans mourning the loss of a global icon.

What Made These Posts So Successful?

Many of these wildly popular posts share common characteristics, but they aren’t necessarily the best Instagram photos. A factor for some is sheer star power — Messi and Ronaldo’s global fanbases and cultural influence certainly give their posts a boost. Beyond celebrity, there are a few key ingredients that helped these posts take off:

• Emotional connection — Whether it’s a win, a loss, or a tribute, raw moments drive engagement because they create a personal connection. 
• Timing — Posting during or right after a significant event, like the World Cup, helps capitalize on global interest. These posts reach people actively searching for, talking about, or engaging with related content.
• Authenticity — Fans crave candid, behind-the-scenes moments and personal content because they feel real and unfiltered, bringing them closer to the person behind it. 

How Can AI Help Create Viral Content?

Going viral isn’t just about luck. The right tools can help you craft engaging, share-worthy content quickly and efficiently. Here’s how AI can give you an edge.

Music and Soundtrack Suggestions

Your choice of audio sets the tone, adds emotion, and makes your video more immersive. AI can analyze your visuals and mood to suggest background music or sound effects that perfectly complement your content and boost engagement.

Video Editing and Enhancements

If you need to increase quality without spending hours editing, try tools like Captions’ AI Video Enhancer to speed up your production process. Trim clips and polish every detail in minutes, then export videos in high resolution to share with your audience.

Smart Subtitling

Adding accurate subtitles can make your videos accessible to a broader audience, including those watching without sound. Using tools like the Auto Subtitle Generator from Captions ensures your message is clear and easy to follow, with no extra time investment in your workflow.

Create Engaging Content With Captions

Content performs best when it feels authentic. Captions’ all-in-one software is packed with AI tools that help you create high-quality videos that are true to your brand. 

With the AI Video Editor, you simply upload your footage, choose an editing style, and let the platform handle the rest. Whether you’re promoting a product or sharing a moment, Captions makes it easy to produce content that connects. 

Try Captions today and watch your content bring in likes.