For years, Instagram likes were the loudest voice in the room. The bigger the number under that little red heart, the more attention the post received. But Instagram isn’t what it used to be. The platform now prioritizes fewer quick taps and more nuanced signals. Still, many creators wonder which metric really matters most. This article examines which engagement metrics are most important today. What do the Metrics Say? Each engagement signal is unique for a certain audience interest. Understanding how each engagement metric functions and maintaining consistency can significantly improve content performance. The Evolution of Instagram Likes Likes were everything when Instagram first blew up. A double-tap served as a simple approval signal that strongly influenced a post’s reach. But today, Meta wants people to actually connect with content. That’s why saves, shares, and thoughtful comments now carry more weight. For example, a reel with hundreds of meaningful comments…
