Visibility of user activity on the Instagram platform is a function of both the platform’s design and the user’s privacy settings. Whether a user’s “likes” on Instagram are visible to others depends on a complex interplay of factors, including the privacy settings of the user who posted the content, the user’s own follower settings, and whether the user is following the person whose post they liked. For instance, if a user “likes” a post from a public account, that “like” is generally visible to the public on the platform.
Understanding the dynamics of visibility on social media platforms is important for several reasons. It allows users to manage their digital footprint, influencing how they are perceived by others. Furthermore, awareness of these features enables individuals and organizations to make informed decisions regarding content consumption and interaction, which is particularly relevant for marketing and public relations strategies. The platform’s initial design encouraged broad visibility, but subsequent updates have offered users more control over their data and activity.
