blog
  • author Alexander Noah
  • calander Publish Date : April 03, 2024
  • calander Last Update : April 03, 2024
  • clock 30 min read

The Instagram scenery of 2024 unfolds itself with a wide variety of compelling moments and some simple universal moments. In this blog, we will explore  the top 20 most-liked posts of the year on Instagram. 

From global icons like Ronaldo, Messi, and Zendaya to natural landscapes such as sunset, videos encapsulate the essence of a year. 

Some posts had to be a part of this list, but others can surprise you. Nonetheless, these have resonated with millions. Let's rewind the year and see what was essential but missed your eyes. 

Top 20 Most Popular Instagram Posts Of 2024

Visit the Instagram highlights and remember moments that stood out as we share our carefully chosen Top 20 most popular posts on Instagram this year.

 

Rank and Account Owner

Account Name

Post Description and Post Link

#1. Lionel Messi 

@lionelmessi 

Messi lifting the World Cup trophy

#2. Chris Godfrey

@world_record_egg

Photo of an egg

#3. Lionel Messi

@lionelmessi

Messi sleeping with the World Cup trophy

#4. Christiano Ronaldo

@cristiano

Christiano and Messi playing chess

#5. Lionel Messi

@lionelmessi

Messi in a plane with the World Cup trophy

#6. Liz 6

@jiangzhibin24

Reel of an ethereal sunset 

#7. Lionel Messi

@lionelmessi

Messi celebrating FIFA World Cup win in Argentina

#8. Christiano Ronaldo

@cristiano

AI Nassr FC welcoming Ronaldo

#9. Christiano Ronaldo

@cristiano

Elimination of Portugal from FIFA World Cup

#10. Lionel Messi

@lionelmessi

Christiano and Messi playing chess

#11. Christiano Ronaldo

@cristiano

Ronaldo announcing twin pregnancy with wife 

#12. XXXTentacion

@xxxtentacion

Jahseh Dwayne’s last post before death

#13. Christiano Ronaldo

@cristiano

Ronaldo remembering Pele

#14. Lionel Messi

@lionelmessi

Messi after the World Cup match against Croatia

#15. Christiano Ronaldo

@cristiano

Ronaldo welcomed by AI Nassr

#16. Christiano Ronaldo

@cristiano

Ronaldo celebrating the friendship between PSG and Riyadh XI

#17. Zendaya

@zendaya

Zendaya’s birthday post for Tom Holland 

#18. Lionel Messi

@lionelmessi

Messi remembering Pele

#19. Selena Gomez

@selenagomez

Selena’s selfie

#20. Tom Holland

@tomholland

The one with all the 3 Spidermen

 

Decoding The Top 20 Most Liked Instagram Posts Of 2024

They say every picture has a story. Join us as we tell you the story behind every picture that ranked top-rated on Instagram in 2024. 

#1. Messi lifted the World Cup trophy

Posted on: 18 Dec 2022

Number of likes: 75.7 million

The whole world bore witness to Messi scoring his last goal in the 2022 FIFA World Cup for Argentina where he won the cup for his country. This beautiful moment when he had the honor of holding the golden trophy was captured. 

Messi uploaded the pic immediately after his success and by getting a million likes, became the most popular picture on Instagram.

#2. Photo of an egg

Posted on: 14 Jan 2019

Number of likes: 60.2 million

Yes, you read that right. A literal egg picture also became the most liked photo, reaching a figure of sixty million likes. The photo was shared by the account named @world_record_egg, which didn't have many followers. 

Many celebrity posts couldn't compete with this simple image of an egg in terms of likes for a long time. 

#3. Messi sleeping with the World Cup trophy

Posted on: 20 Dec 2022

 Number of likes: 54.7 million

After liking an egg's photo, Instagrammers again focused on Messi, who shared a picture of him in bed with the FIFA World Cup trophy. 

The G.O.A.T. is finally getting some rest after a monumental win with his loving partner, none other than the trophy. 

#4. Christiano and Messi playing chess

Posted on: 19 Nov 2022

Number of likes: 42.8 million

Christiano and Messi shared the same sponsored post on their profiles, where the pair can be seen indulging in a friendly chess match. Who wouldn't like seeing the two together? The likes were evident if you asked us. 

Though the picture was also shared by Messi, the one shared by Ronaldo had a better engagement rate. 

#5. Messi in a plane with the World Cup trophy

Posted on: 19 Dec 2022

Number of likes: 42.0 million

Messi again appeared in a post with his partner, obviously not his wife but his winning prize, the famous golden trophy.

This time, he posed with his priced possession in a plane. The world agreed with the Argentina victory!

#6. Reel of an ethereal sunset 

Posted on: 5 August 2024

Number of likes: 34.6 million

Have you met a person who doesn't like sunsets? Because we haven't. That may be why people showered so many likes on this reel. 

We assure you it is the best sunset video you have seen. Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing hues of an ethereal sunset captured in this viral reel. 

#7. Messi celebrating the FIFA World Cup win in Argentina

Posted on: 21 Dec 2022

Number of likes: 34.4 million

Naturally, the natives of their beloved country welcomed Messi and the national soccer team of Argentina grandly. 

Messi shared some moments in videos and photos in this carousel post. The crowd cheered on the streets as the inked hand of their winner held the trophy up in the air. 

#8. Ronaldo joins hands with A.I. Nassr F.C.

Posted on: 30 Dec 2022

Number of likes: 34.4 million

In this collaborative post of Ronaldo and A.I. Nassr, they promise to "make history" by giving it back to the football community. 

Portugal's Ronaldo joined the Saudi Arabia-based club for a two-and-a-half-year contract, and apparently, the post announcing this news broke the records of likes. 

#9. Elimination of Portugal from the FIFA World Cup

Posted on: 11 Dec 2022

Number of likes: 34.2 million

Ronaldo didn't shy away from showing his discontent to the world after his country, Portugal, took an exit from the FIFA World Cup. 

In the picture, Ronaldo can be seen walking off the field after losing to Morocco's team, and the world could resonate with the sadness on his face as they showered likes. 

#10. Christiano and Messi in one frame

Posted on: 19 Nov 2022

Number of likes: 32.9 million

Messi also shared the Louis Vuitton-sponsored post shared by Christiano. Unsurprisingly, both posts are among Instagram's top 10 most-liked posts. 

We can see both the soccer players donning black as they redefine luxury. Bromance of Christiano and Messi has always been the talk of the town. 

#11. Ronaldo announcing twin pregnancy with wife

Posted on: 28 Oct 2021

Number of likes: 32.4 million

On October 28, 2021 Christiano wrote on Instagram that he and his partner Rodriguez are expecting twins. It is in the close-up selfie that we can spot both Ronaldo and his girlfriend smiling as he holds a sonogram picture.

Later, the sad news of the death of his son was announced, but they continued to love their daughter. 

#12. Jahseh Dwayne's last post before death 

Posted on: 19 May 2018

Number of likes: 32.3 million

A rapper aged twenty years, known simply as XXXTentacion posted a picture of himself. He was killed in what the police suspected to be a robbery incident after posting this picture with the caption "LOVE IS WAR" on it, in Miami Florida. 

After listening to the news of his death, his fans kept ushering likes on his last post as a tribute. 

#13. Ronaldo remembers Pele

Posted on: 29 Dec 2022

Number of likes: 32.3 million

Portuguese superstar honored Brazilian soccer legend Pele after his death at 82 by sharing a photo of them. He wrote a heartfelt caption under the photo. Fans of both soccer players together flooded the post with likes. 

You don’t know who is Pele? He guided Brazil to three World Cup football victories in 1958, 1962, and of course also, 1970. Notably, Messi and Ronaldo admire him. 

#14. Messi after the World Cup match against Croatia

Posted on: 14 Dec 2022

Number of likes: 29.7 million 

After Messi's team entered the World Cup final by defeating the Croatia team in the Semifinals, he shared a post with several pictures. 

In the pictures, we can see Messi celebrating the moment on the field, donning his number 10 T-shirt. Celebrations were continued in the boy’s locker as the winning team could be seen posing for pictures. 

#15. A.I. Nassr welcomed Ronaldo

Posted on: 3 Jan 2024

Number of likes: 27.9 million

Another post by Ronaldo was about the collaboration between the soccer player and the club A.I. Nassr. In the picture, Ronaldo seems content with the warm welcome by A.I. Nassr as the firecrackers are lit in the background. 

Ronaldo captioned the post, “WOW!! What a reception! Now let’s get to work!”. Ronaldo posed with the kids and was dedicated to helping them in their football journey. 

#16. Ronaldo celebrating the friendship between P.S.G. and Riyadh

Posted on: 19 Jan 2024

Number of likes: 27.9 million

Ronaldo shared a couple of pictures in a post showcasing P.S.G. and Riyadh's reunion. This moment was also called the reunion of G.O.A.T.S. 

Seeing Ronaldo on a field, jumping and playing around is a treat to the eyes. He seems delighted to see his name on the scoresheet. 

#17. Zendaya's birthday post for Tom Holland 

Posted on: 1 June 2022

Number of likes: 26.3 million

Love birds, Zendaya and Tom are cherished by everyone on the gram. That could be the reason why Tom’s birthday post from Zendaya was able to attract so many viewers.

Later, the actress posted a close-up of her and her beau with this sweet birthday message: "Happiest of birthdays to the one who makes me the happiest <3"

#18. Messi remembering Pele

Posted on: 29 Dec 2022

Number of likes: 26.0 million

Another post of Messi that gained many likes was the one he (like Ronaldo), also shared a post remembering legendary Brazilian soccer player Pele. 

This is one of the most liked posts on Messi’s profile. The carousel post has three pictures; two have Pele and Messi together, and in the third, we can see a young Pele. 

#19. Selena's selfie

Posted on: 14 March 2024

Number of likes: 25.8 million

Selena Gomez, a well-known singer in the world, posted her two no filter selfies without makeup. This is exactly what our beautiful Selena needs to do in order to join the top 20 most-liked Instagram posts of 2024.

She captioned the photo ‘Violet Chemistry,’ and the fans felt relatable with her rawness. 

#20. The one with all the 3 Spidermen

Posted on: 23 Feb 2022

Number of likes: 25.2 million

In one of his posts, Tom Holland uploaded a photo of the 3 Spidermen –himself with Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire.

It is possible to see 3 musketeers repeating the meme in which there are three of them pointing at all. Clearly, all three of them understood the assignment.  

Do you agree with the ranking of the 20 top preferred Instagram posts?

As we say bye to 2024, Instagram saw a blend of celebrity charisma, viral moments, and heartfelt pictures and captions in its top 20 most-liked posts. 

From awe-inspiring achievements like the W.C. final to absolutely bizarre posts like the photo of an egg, these posts hooked millions of Instagrammers. 

This list shows the diverse and ever-changing nature of social media platforms. As celebrities and public figures continue to form online narratives, these moments show the meaning of universality and simplicity and we totally agree with that.

FAQs

#1. Which Instagram posts do best?

No single factor is responsible for a best to do well, but multiple factors take part. These factors include compelling visuals, well-written captions, suitable hashtag usage, and a strategic posting schedule. 

Utilize the guide to create Collab Posts on Instagram with creators for shoutouts, and keep up with the latest features of Instagram to keep up your Instagram posting game. 

#2. Which Instagram account gets the most likes on Instagram?

Instagram accounts of celebrities usually get the most likes on Instagram as they have the highest number of following. Below, we have mentioned a few celebrities who rank among the top few Instagrammers and their respective following. 

Christiano Ronaldo: 614.7M

Taylor Swift: 278.8M

Selena Gomez: 429.6M

Ariana Grande: 381M

#3. Which is the most liked post on Instagram?

Lionel Messi, the G.O.A.T., shared a post after winning the FIFA World Cup on 18 December 2022. Thanks to the fans of Lionel Messi and football, this post is the most liked post to date on Instagram. 

The post has 75.7 million likes. In the picture, we can see Messi lifting the World Cup trophy and celebrity the win with a wide grin. 

#4. What percentage of likes is good on Instagram?

The engagement rate on an Instagram post is a sum product of a couple of factors such as likes, comments, and other forms of interaction. There's a formula to calculate the engagement rate mentioned below:

Engagement Rate= [Total Interactions (Likes+Comments+Share)]/Total Followersx100

Low Engagement Rate: Below 1%

Average Engagement Rate: 1% to 3%

High Engagement Rate: 3% or higher

#5. How can I increase likes on my Instagram?

  • Craft content that appeals to the eye use strategic hashtags and engage with the audience to keep them hooked. 
  • Form a well-planned calendar to post while keeping the relatability in the content.
  • Experiment with the posting timing and the kind of content that you are posting.

Use these tips and watch the likes pour in your Instagram profile. 

#6. Why are my likes dropping on Instagram?

Uncover the reasons behind a decline in your Instagram likes with the factors mentioned below:

  • There might be an algorithm change in Instagram.
  • The quality of your content may have dropped. 

To cure this, you can buy Instagram followers which will re-engage with your audience to grab engagement and likes. 

#7. Why is the egg the most-liked picture on Instagram?

In January 2022, the Instagram account @world_record_egg posted a picture of an egg, which broke all records of likes on Instagram. Everybody on the app got hyped and contributed to the campaign, and it became the most liked picture. But why a simple picture of an egg gained such widespread recognition?  

  • Universality and simplicity of the image 
  • Amazing marketing campaign
  • Community engagement for the win 
  • It became a part of the social media trends

#8. Do Instagram likes matter?

Instagram likes to form a considerable part of the engagement rate. They aren't just numbers on a screen but proof of credibility and enhanced visibility on the app. It affects algorithm performance, so don't take them for granted.

 

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Written By Alexander Noah

Alexander has worked as an Instagram content strategist for popular media houses and now researches and publishes the latest Instagram content with Thunderclap.it. He is keen to analyze the IG algorithm and find what works better for reach and visibility. You will find many of his IG hacks, tricks, and instructions for better reach on Thunderclap.it!