How to Get More Likes on Social Media: UK Guide

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Ever posted what you thought was a brilliant photo on Instagram, a witty comment on X (formerly Twitter), or a heartfelt update on Facebook, only to be met with the sound of digital crickets? We’ve all been there. You see posts from your mates, celebrities, or even that corner shop down the road getting hundreds, sometimes thousands, of likes, and you can’t help but wonder: “What’s their secret? How do I get more likes on social media?”

It’s a question that’s more than just about vanity. In today’s world, likes are a form of currency. For a business, they can mean more customers. For an artist, they can mean a bigger audience. And for any of us, let’s be honest, they give us a little buzz—a sense of connection and validation. They tell us that someone out there saw what we shared and appreciated it.

But the game of getting likes can feel like a bit of a mystery. The rules seem to change all the time, with social media algorithms—the computer programmes that decide who sees what—behaving like moody teenagers. One day your posts are flying high, the next they’ve vanished without a trace.

This guide is here to demystify the whole process. We’re going to break down everything you need to know about getting more likes, from understanding the basics of how these platforms work to mastering advanced strategies that will make your content shine. We’ll cover the big players like Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok, with practical, down-to-earth advice tailored for a British audience. Forget confusing jargon and smoke-and-mirrors tricks. This is your definitive, no-nonsense manual to winning at the social media game. So, grab a cuppa, get comfortable, and let’s dive in.

The Psychology of the ‘Like’: Why Do We Even Care?

Before we get into the ‘how’, it’s worth taking a moment to understand the ‘why’. Why is that little heart or thumbs-up icon so powerful? It all comes down to a bit of basic human psychology.

A Quick Trip Inside Your Brain

When you receive a ‘like’, your brain gets a tiny hit of a chemical called dopamine. This is the same chemical that’s released when you eat a delicious piece of chocolate cake, win a tenner on a scratch card, or get a compliment from a stranger. It’s a feel-good chemical that’s part of your brain’s reward system.

Social media companies know this. They’ve designed their platforms to be as rewarding as possible. That little red notification bubble? It’s like a tiny, irresistible promise of a dopamine hit. This system of intermittent variable rewards is the same principle that gets people hooked on fruit machines. You never know when you’re going to get a reward, so you keep checking back.

The Power of Social Validation

Beyond the brain chemistry, likes are a powerful form of social validation. Since we were cavemen, we’ve been wired to seek approval from our tribe. It was a survival mechanism—being accepted by the group meant you were less likely to be left out in the cold.

In the digital age, our ‘tribe’ has expanded to include our online followers. A like is a signal that we belong, that our opinions matter, and that people are listening. It’s a digital nod of approval, a pat on the back that says, “We see you, and we like what you’re doing.” This is why a post with lots of likes often attracts even more—a phenomenon known as social proof. If everyone else seems to like something, we’re more inclined to think it must be good. It’s the same reason we’re more likely to try a restaurant with a queue outside than an empty one.

Understanding this psychology is your first secret weapon. When you create content, you’re not just throwing something into the void. You’re trying to trigger that positive feeling in someone else. You’re aiming to create something that makes them feel connected, understood, or entertained enough to give you that digital thumbs-up.

Know Your Platform: You Wouldn’t Wear a Tuxedo to a BBQ

You can’t win the game if you don’t know the rules of the pitch you’re playing on. Each social media platform is its own little world, with its own unique culture, audience, and algorithm. What works wonders on TikTok might fall completely flat on Facebook. Let’s break down the big four.

Instagram: The Visual Wonderland

What it is: A highly visual platform, built around photos and videos. It’s all about aesthetics, storytelling, and creating a curated look into your life or brand.
Who’s on it: A massive, diverse audience, but it skews younger, with a huge chunk of users under 35. It’s popular with creatives, influencers, and brands in sectors like fashion, food, travel, and fitness.
What gets likes:
- High-Quality Imagery: This is non-negotiable. Blurry, poorly lit photos won’t cut it. Your images and videos need to be sharp, well-composed, and eye-catching. You don’t need a professional camera—modern smartphones are fantastic—but you do need to pay attention to light and composition.
- Compelling Videos (Reels): Instagram is heavily pushing its short-form video feature, Reels, to compete with TikTok. The algorithm loves them. Reels that are entertaining, educational, or inspiring tend to do incredibly well. Think quick tutorials, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or funny skits.
- Authentic Stories: While the main feed is often highly polished, Instagram Stories offer a chance to be more raw and real. Use polls, quizzes, and question stickers to engage your audience directly. People love to feel involved.
- Carousels: These are posts with multiple photos or videos that users can swipe through. They are great for telling a story, sharing a step-by-step guide, or showing off a collection of products. The algorithm often shows carousel posts to users multiple times, giving you more chances for a like.
The Vibe: Think of it as your glossy magazine. It’s aspirational but increasingly values authenticity and ‘in-the-moment’ content.

Facebook: The Community Hub

What it is: The original social network. It’s less about fleeting trends and more about connecting with family, friends, and communities.
Who’s on it: Everyone and their gran. Literally. While younger users might be spending more time elsewhere, Facebook’s user base is enormous and spans all age groups, making it incredibly versatile.
What gets likes:
- Community-Focused Content: Content that sparks conversation is king here. Ask questions, share relatable stories, and post things that people will want to share with their own friends. Think local news, heartwarming stories, and useful tips.
- Video, Video, Video: Just like on Instagram, video performs exceptionally well on Facebook, especially live video. Going live creates a sense of urgency and allows for real-time interaction with your audience.
- Personal Updates (with a twist): People on Facebook are interested in what their friends are up to. Milestones like birthdays, anniversaries, new jobs, or holidays often get a lot of engagement. For brands, this means showing the human side of your business.
- Groups: Facebook Groups are powerful. Joining and participating in groups related to your interests or industry is a great way to connect with a highly engaged audience. Sharing your content in the right group (where permitted) can massively boost your reach and likes.
The Vibe: It’s like the village green or the local pub. It’s about community, conversation, and shared experiences.

X (Twitter): The Real-Time News Ticker

What it is: A fast-paced platform for news, opinions, and real-time conversation. It’s all about being concise, witty, and timely.
Who’s on it: Journalists, politicians, celebrities, comedians, and anyone who wants to stay on the pulse of what’s happening right now. The audience is often tech-savvy and opinionated.
What gets likes:
- Being Timely and Relevant: Jumping on a trending topic (a big news story, a popular meme, a TV show everyone’s talking about) is the fastest way to get noticed on X.
- Wit and Humour: A clever, funny tweet can go viral in minutes. British humour, with its sarcasm and understatement, often does particularly well here.
- Strong Opinions: Don’t be afraid to have a point of view. A tweet that makes a bold statement is more likely to get a reaction (and likes) than a bland one.
- Asking Questions and Running Polls: These are simple, direct ways to encourage engagement. People love to share their opinions.
- Threads: If you have more to say than the character limit allows, a well-structured thread can be incredibly effective for telling a story or explaining a complex topic.
The Vibe: It’s a bustling, noisy, 24/7 newsroom mixed with a comedy club. It’s about being quick, smart, and part of the conversation.

TikTok: The Entertainment Engine

What it is: A short-form video platform that has taken the world by storm. It’s driven by a powerful algorithm that is incredibly good at figuring out what you want to watch.
Who’s on it: Primarily Gen Z and Millennials, but its user base is rapidly broadening.
What gets likes:
- Entertainment First: People come to TikTok to be entertained. Funny, creative, surprising, and satisfying videos are the bread and butter of the platform.
- Jumping on Trends: TikTok is all about trends—sounds, challenges, filters, and formats that sweep the platform. Participating in a trend while it’s hot is a near-guaranteed way to get your video seen.
- Authenticity and Relatability: Unlike the polish of Instagram, TikTok celebrates the raw, the weird, and the wonderfully human. Don’t be afraid to be yourself.
- Value-Packed Content: ‘Edu-tainment’ is huge on TikTok. Quick tips, life hacks, mini-tutorials, and fascinating facts, all delivered in an engaging, fast-paced way, perform brilliantly.
The Vibe: It’s a chaotic, creative, and endlessly entertaining talent show where anyone can have their 15 seconds (or 3 minutes) of fame.

Content is King: The 10 Commandments of Creating ‘Likeable’ Posts

Now that you know the lay of the land, it’s time to talk about the most important thing: your content. You can have all the right hashtags and post at the perfect time, but if what you’re sharing is dull, no one will care. Here are the ten golden rules for creating content that people can’t help but like.

I. Thou Shalt Know Thy Audience

Who are you trying to reach? Your mates from uni? Potential customers for your handmade jewellery business? Fellow fans of a niche hobby? Before you post anything, think about who you want to see it and what they care about. Create content for them, not just for yourself.

II. Thou Shalt Have a Niche

Don’t try to be everything to everyone. The most successful accounts have a clear focus. Are you all about vegan baking in Manchester? Restoration of classic British cars? Hilarious commentary on reality TV? Find your thing and stick to it. This helps you build a loyal community of people who are genuinely interested in what you have to say.

III. Thou Shalt Tell a Story

Humans are wired for stories. A photo of a cake is nice. A photo of a cake with a caption that says, “My first attempt at a Victoria sponge. The kitchen is covered in flour, I’ve got icing in my hair, but just look at it. Worth it,” is a story. It’s relatable, it has emotion, and it draws people in. Use your captions, your videos, and your sequences of photos to tell mini-stories.

IV. Thou Shalt Provide Value

Every post should answer an invisible question from your audience: “What’s in it for me?” The answer could be:

Entertainment: It made me laugh, or it was beautiful to look at.
Education: I learned something new or useful.
Inspiration: It motivated me to try something or think differently.
Connection: It made me feel understood or part of a community.

If your post doesn’t offer at least one of these, ask yourself why you’re posting it.

V. Thou Shalt Be Visually Arresting

We are visual creatures, and we scroll through our feeds at lightning speed. Your post has a fraction of a second to grab someone’s attention.

Use High-Quality Photos and Videos: As we mentioned, this is crucial.
Think About Colour and Composition: Bright colours, leading lines, and clean, uncluttered backgrounds can make a huge difference.
Create a Consistent Aesthetic: On platforms like Instagram, having a recognisable style or colour palette can make your profile look more professional and appealing.
Add Text to Videos: Most people watch videos with the sound off. Adding clear, easy-to-read captions or subtitles makes your content accessible to everyone.

VI. Thou Shalt Write Killer Captions

A great photo can be let down by a lazy caption. Your caption is your chance to add context, show your personality, and, most importantly, encourage engagement.

Start with a Hook: The first sentence is the most important. Make it intriguing.
Ask a Question: This is the simplest way to get people to comment, which in turn boosts your post in the algorithm.
Use a Call to Action (CTA): Tell people what you want them to do. “Tag a friend who needs this,” “Save this post for later,” or “Let me know your thoughts in the comments!”

VII. Thou Shalt Be Authentic

People can spot a fake a mile off. In a world of filters and carefully curated perfection, being genuinely, authentically you is a superpower. Share your struggles as well as your successes. Don’t be afraid to be a bit messy, a bit weird, or a bit vulnerable. That’s the stuff that people connect with.

VIII. Thou Shalt Engage with Others

Social media is a two-way street. It’s not a megaphone; it’s a conversation.

Reply to Comments: When someone takes the time to comment on your post, reply to them! It shows you’re listening and values their input.
Like and Comment on Other People’s Posts: Spend time engaging with content from other accounts in your niche. It’s a great way to get noticed and build relationships.
Share User-Generated Content (UGC): If a customer or follower posts something great featuring your product or talking about your brand, share it (with their permission, of course). It’s a powerful endorsement and makes your community feel valued.

IX. Thou Shalt Be Consistent

The algorithms favour accounts that post regularly. You don’t need to post ten times a day, but creating a consistent schedule—say, three to five times a week—and sticking to it will help you stay visible in your followers’ feeds. Consistency also builds trust and anticipation with your audience.

X. Thou Shalt Have Fun

If you’re not enjoying it, it will show. Your passion (or lack of it) is infectious. Post about things you genuinely love and are excited by. When you’re having fun, your content will be more creative, more energetic, and ultimately, more ‘likeable’.

Mastering the Algorithm: How to Make the Robots Work for You

Ah, the algorithm. It’s the mysterious force that governs everything on social media. While the exact formulas are a closely guarded secret, we know enough about what they like to be able to play the game effectively.

What the Algorithm Wants

At its core, the goal of any social media algorithm is simple: to keep users on the platform for as long as possible. They do this by showing people content they think they will find engaging.

Therefore, the algorithm is constantly watching for engagement signals. These are actions that tell the algorithm, “Hey, this is a good post!” Likes are one of these signals, but they’re not the only one. In fact, some are much more powerful.

The Hierarchy of Engagement

Think of engagement signals as a pyramid.

Saves (Top of the Pyramid): When someone saves your post, they’re sending a massive signal to the algorithm that your content is high-value—so valuable that they want to come back to it later. This is the holy grail of engagement, particularly on Instagram. Create content people will want to save: recipes, workout routines, detailed guides, beautiful infographics, or lists of tips.
Shares: A share (or a ‘retweet’ on X) is also a huge endorsement. It means someone liked your content so much they wanted to broadcast it to their own network.
Comments: A comment takes more effort than a like. It shows someone was engaged enough to stop and type out a response. This is why asking questions in your captions is so effective.
Likes (Base of the Pyramid): Likes are still important, but they are the lowest-effort form of engagement. They’re a good indicator, but the algorithm places more weight on the signals higher up the pyramid.

The key takeaway: Create content that encourages saves, shares, and comments, and the likes will follow.

The Golden Hour

When you first publish a post, the platform shows it to a small subset of your followers. The algorithm then watches to see how that initial group interacts with it. If it gets a good amount of engagement quickly (likes, comments, etc.), the algorithm thinks, “Aha, this is a good one!” and starts showing it to a wider audience. This is often referred to as the ‘golden hour’.

This is why posting when your audience is most active is so important. How do you find that out? Most platforms have built-in analytics (like Instagram Insights or Facebook Business Suite) that will tell you exactly which days and hours your followers are most active online. Use this data!

Hashtags: Your Digital Signposts

Hashtags are a way of categorising your content and making it discoverable to people who don’t already follow you. Think of them as signposts that help both users and the algorithm understand what your post is about.

The Rules of Hashtagging

Be Relevant: Use hashtags that are directly related to your post. If you’ve posted a picture of a sausage roll from Greggs, don’t use #fitness. It’s irrelevant and will just annoy people.
Mix It Up: Don’t just use the most popular hashtags with millions of posts. Your content will be buried in seconds. Use a mix of:
- Broad hashtags: (e.g., #UKFood)
- Niche hashtags: (e.g., #ManchesterEats)
- Community hashtags: (e.g., #BakersOfInstagram)
- Branded hashtags: (e.g., #YourBrandName)
How Many? The optimal number varies by platform.
- Instagram: You can use up to 30, but quality is better than quantity. Aim for between 10-20 relevant tags. You can ‘hide’ them by putting them in the first comment or several lines below your caption.
- X: 1-2 relevant hashtags are best. Any more looks spammy.
- TikTok: Use 3-5 trending and relevant hashtags.
- Facebook: Hashtags are less critical here, but 1-3 can help with discoverability.
Do Your Research: Look at what hashtags successful accounts in your niche are using. Type a keyword into the search bar and see what related hashtags the platform suggests.

Putting It All Together: Your Social Media Like-Boosting Checklist

Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Don’t be. Let’s boil it all down into a practical checklist you can use every time you post.

Before You Post:

[ ] Who is this for? (Know your audience)
[ ] Why will they care? (What value does it provide?)
[ ] Is the visual high-quality and eye-catching? (Photo/video quality)
[ ] Does it fit the vibe of the platform? (Platform-specific content)
[ ] Am I telling a story? (Compelling narrative)

When You Post:

[ ] Have I written a killer caption with a strong hook?
[ ] Have I included a call to action? (e.g., asking a question)
[ ] Have I used a smart mix of relevant hashtags?
[ ] Am I posting at a time when my audience is active? (Check your analytics)
[ ] Have I tagged any relevant accounts or locations?

After You Post:

[ ] Am I replying to comments? (Engage, engage, engage!)
[ ] Am I spending 15 minutes engaging with other accounts in my niche? (Be social!)
[ ] Am I sharing my post to my Stories to give it an extra boost?
[ ] Am I looking at the analytics a few days later to see what worked? (Learn and adapt)

The Pitfalls: What NOT to Do

In the quest for likes, it can be tempting to take shortcuts. Don’t. They almost always backfire.

Don’t Buy Likes or Followers: It might seem like an easy win, but these are almost always bots or fake accounts. They won’t engage with your content in the future, your engagement rate (the percentage of your followers who interact with your posts) will plummet, and the platforms can penalise or even ban your account for it. It’s just not worth it.
Don’t Use Engagement Pods: These are groups where people agree to like and comment on each other’s posts to try and ‘trick’ the algorithm. The platforms are wise to this, and the engagement isn’t authentic. Focus on building a real community instead.
Don’t Be a Spammer: Don’t post too frequently, use irrelevant hashtags, or DM people begging for likes. It’s desperate and will get you blocked.
Don’t Forget the ‘Social’ Part: Don’t just log on, post your content, and log off. It’s called social media for a reason. Spend time interacting and being a good digital citizen.

The Future of the ‘Like’

The world of social media is always changing. We’ve already seen platforms like Instagram experiment with hiding like counts to try and reduce social pressure. While the ‘like’ in its current form might evolve, the underlying principle of engagement won’t go away.

The future will likely be less about a single, public metric and more about deeper forms of connection: conversations in DMs, participation in close-knit communities, and content that genuinely makes people’s lives better.

The best strategy you can have, now and in the future, is to stop chasing a specific number and start focusing on building a genuine community. If you focus on creating valuable, authentic content and building real relationships, the likes—and more importantly, the loyalty and trust—will naturally follow. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. But by following the principles in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to crossing the finish line in style.