With 1.22 billion active monthly users, Instagram is still top of the world in social media, and one reason for that is its simplicity. You look at photos, videos, and stories, like and comment, and follow your favorite creators. In an age where social media websites seem to get more complex, Instagram is still a breath of fresh air.
With that said, in its simplicity comes complicated psychology, with everything down to the likes a person makes rooted in a deeper meaning. This post will teach you more about the psychology of Instagram likes. Also, if you want to get more likes, learn more here.
How Getting Likes Affects Your Brain
While we all want to believe that social media likes are no big deal, the psychological truth is much deeper than this.
When someone likes your posts on Instagram, you feel good in your brain. Your brain releases the feel-good chemical dopamine. This chemical is commonly associated with rewards. When someone likes your posts, your brain feels pleasure.
While your brain feels good, you must beware of the dopamine loop. This is when you constantly open social media to get that same dopamine rush, and this behavior is commonly associated with the same brain activity as substance abuse. It is partially why many people are glued to their phones, craving the newest hit, desiring the next to make their brain feel good.
Obviously, opening Instagram is not on the same level as a drug addict getting their fix. Still, the same psychology is there, and many studies have backed this up, many of which can explain how your audience likes your posts, and it’s something to consider. While it’s not necessarily always a positive thing, you can harness this and use it to your advantage.
The Study
In 2016, one study examined teen Instagram users between 13-18. Researchers showed the teens 148 images from Instagram, including some from them. The researchers told the teenagers how many likes the photos have gotten, though these numbers were made up.
Then, the researchers measured their brain activities and discovered some interesting findings. Let’s look at them now.
Highly Liked Photos Made Them Excited
The teens in this study received a pleasant feeling whenever they saw a photo with many likes compared to a few of them. Teenagers who felt like their image had many likes were left with a positive feeling. While some may see likes as nothing more than virtual numbers, the truth is that many people took their time to tell someone they enjoyed their content, which made the teens ecstatic.
They Were More Likely to Like Posts That Have Many Likes
Another interesting finding was that a teenager was inclined to hit the like button on a post with many likes instead of a few. While one may think that the teen would want to support pictures that flew under the radar, the truth is that teens give in to peer pressure. If a photo has many likes, the teens want to contribute their likes to them.
Just like how social media can give people a drug-like dopamine rush, it can also give people the same peer pressure they feel when their friends are smoking.
Many Adults Are Like This, Too
This study used teenagers; many adults may believe they are immune to this. However, many adults, especially younger millennials and Gen-Z, who have been raised on social media, act the same way. When they see a post that has many likes, they want to be a part of this.
As for their own posts, many may feel upset that they got fewer likes when compared to their peers. As an Instagram user, you may feel the same way if few people like your post, yet your competition is getting plenty of them.
While this is concerning, it does tap into psychology quite well and is usable if you’re a brand. Many people want to be a part of something and to make themselves feel heard. Social media can be a powerful place for this to happen.
More Reasons Why People Like a Post on Instagram
Besides this study, other studies have delved into the psychology of Instagram users. These studies have given people a better eye of what makes a person like an Instagram post. Here are some more intriguing facts for you.
Brand Strength
Branding is everything, including social media marketing. Look at the corporations that have created a personality and brand on their social media accounts. When people see a post from them, they are likely to associate it with positive emotions, then leave a like. In addition, strong logos can stick in a person’s mind for much longer. Think of the Nike logo or McDonald’s. These logos are universally recognized.
What Can Your Account Learn From This?
It would be best if you had strong branding on your account. Everything needs to make an impression for your users that stands out, from your profile picture to your posts. You can look for inspiration by seeing your competition or at successful brand accounts, but be sure it’s your branding.
Like and Follow Count
As mentioned earlier, people will like posts from accounts with high followings and with many likes. On the other hand, they may ignore or even ridicule accounts that have few followers. While this behavior can feel toxic to some, it shows that most want to conform to a large crowd, even if they say they do not.
What Can You Learn From This?
This can seem like a difficult challenge if you’re a small account. How can you get likes if your post doesn’t have many likes? When you use the right hashtags, make great content, and give users a strong impression, they will still like your content.
In addition, it may be worth it to purchase likes and followers to make your account stronger in the eyes of your audience. It gives users social proof that people trust you for your opinions.
People Love A Right Balance With Light and Color
People tend to like a photo that is colorful and has good lighting on it. Strong lighting can create many emotions. Bright light can show hope, and little lighting can show mystery. Look at the best photographs around. Many of them employ lighting, be it natural or artificial, to convey emotions.
What Can You Learn From This?
Creating a post that uses the best lighting can give you a much more successful outcome than not being mindful of light at all. This is where you may want to learn lighting or look to hire a photographer who can utilize light well.
People Love Simplicity and Complexity
As it turns out, people will like an Instagram post if it’s minimalist. Many charts, or photos in general, do not have many colors or design elements, which makes the photo’s details stand out more. Think about how many companies have been simplifying their logos as time passes. While some people don’t like it, the fact is that it creates a powerful impression.
On the other hand, people love complexity. If there is a photo with many hidden details, someone will want to look at the image and digest everything, especially if it’s rewarding.
What Can You Learn From This?
Look at the competition and see how simple or complex their posts are. Is there any way you can make your posts grow from making your own? Does your content end up boring because it’s somewhere in the middle? How can you fix this?
It Forms a Connection
Another reason why people like a post? It helps them strengthen a bond with someone. When they see someone’s post, liking it feels like they have made a connection, especially if they enjoy what that person does.
What Can You Learn From This?
You want to create lasting relationships with your followers. When someone comments, be sure to like the comment or respond to it. Show your audience that you care, and they’ll also want to strengthen your relationship with them.
They Want to Give Back
Another reason people like posts is that the user who has liked them has contributed to their life meaningfully. Because of this, liking their posts is their way of saying thanks. For example, best friends will like each other’s posts due to the strong relationships they have
What Can You Learn From This?
Be a company that rewards its customers. Through deals or just by showing appreciation, it allows people to know that they’re valued. As such, they will likely help your account out when you need likes.
Parting Thoughts
As an Instagram user, getting likes is vital to help your account grow. However, while making great content can help you grow, you must also look into your users’ psychology. By knowing why they like posts, you can create better content that will get people talking. We hope this article was helpful to you.
