Like: meaning and how it works

A like is a quick tap that shows approval of a post, reel or video.

Likes are the simplest engagement signal. They affect how popular a post looks, and they are one of several signals platforms use.

Likes are the cheapest service per unit on most panels. See Instagram likes.

How it works in practice

A like is cheap to give, so platforms weigh it less than saves, shares or watch time. Even so, visible likes shape how popular a post looks to the next viewer.

Example

Example: two identical posts, one with 12 likes and one with 480. New viewers are more likely to stop and read the second one.