# Instagram vs Likee

The clearest difference is ads: Likee at none against Instagram's shown. Likee also leads on review sentiment (52% vs 31%). Instagram's advantage is ratings volume (30M vs 563K) and chart position (#2 vs #118). On price, rating, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Instagram sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per month and Likee sells 15 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Instagram holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Instagram has 30M ratings behind it against 563K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 31% of Instagram's written reviews are positive against 52% of Likee's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly weekly. Both last shipped on October 29, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Instagram | Likee |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (30M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/instagram/id389801252/reviews)** | [4.5 (563K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/likee-video-live-chat/id1251790681/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **30M** | 563K |
| Positive reviews | 31.5% of reviews | **51.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Weekly | Weekly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#2** | #118 |
| Size | 641 MB | 314 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.3 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Instagram, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/389801255) | [LIKEME PTE. LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1521652596) |

## What reviewers say

### Instagram

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/instagram/id389801252)

**Currently charting:** #2 Top Free · Photo & Video, #3 Top Grossing · Photo & Video, #6 Top Grossing, #30 Top Free (US App Store)

Connect with friends and discover new content through photos, videos, and short-form entertainment. Share your daily moments and life's highlights, or dive into personalized feeds based on your interests.

**Highlights:** Short-form video creation and discovery (Reels), Ephemeral content sharing (Stories & Notes), Private group chats (Close Friends), Personalized content feeds (Explore), Customizable posts with templates and filters, Discover brands and shop products

**Features:** Apple Wallet, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Meta Verified Standard | $14.99 | per month |
| Instagram Badge | $0.99 | one-time |
| Instagram Badge | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💕 Excellent way to connect with friends and family
- 🌍 Ability to discover new content and accounts
- 🎨 Great platform for artists and creators to showcase their work
- 🤝 Helps small businesses promote their products

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent bugs and glitches
- 🤖 Overly aggressive AI moderation leading to unfair account suspensions
- 🔒 Poor customer support and lack of transparency around account issues
- 📊 Declining organic reach and push towards paid advertising
- 🔀 Confusing layout changes that make the app less user-friendly

**Reported bugs**

- Unable to post or view videos due to app crashing
- Saved posts and drafts randomly disappearing
- Notifications not working or showing outdated information
- Inability to log in or switch between multiple accounts

**Requested features**

- Ability to edit/delete individual photos from a multi-photo post
- Option to view posts in chronological order instead of algorithmic feed
- Better tools for small businesses to manage and grow their presence
- Improved accessibility features for users with disabilities


### Likee

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/likee-video-live-chat/id1251790681)

**Currently charting:** #118 Top Free · Photo & Video, #184 Top Grossing · Photo & Video (US App Store)

Create and share short videos with a global community. Discover viral content, explore creative effects, and engage in live streams. Connect with creators worldwide and express your talents.

**Highlights:** Short video creation and sharing, Live streaming capabilities, Personalized video feed, Extensive video effects and filters, Global community for connection, Music library for videos

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (15)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SuperFollow @bebop.bebe | $0.99 | per month |
| SuperFollow @thomasmoorehouse | $0.99 | per month |
| SuperFollow @Onesolitarytear | $0.99 | per month |
| SuperFollow @gabbyb_music | $2.99 | per month |
| SuperFollow @Maresol | $2.99 | per month |
| SuperFollow @SnezhanaSnezhok | $2.99 | per month |
| SuperFollow @TayTaysNummies | $4.99 | per month |
| SuperFollow @tina_and_fam | $4.99 | per month |
| SuperFollow @HouseofB | $9.99 | per month |
| 35 | $0.99 | one-time |
| 250 | $6.99 | one-time |
| 720 | $19.99 | one-time |
| 2170 | $59.99 | one-time |
| 3260 | $89.99 | one-time |
| 3625 | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great app, lots of fun
- 👍 Unique effects and features
- 💡 Good alternative to TikTok
- 🎨 Creative video editing

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤖 Many bot accounts and fake interactions
- 🔞 Inappropriate content and predatory behavior
- 🔒 Lack of privacy and parental controls
- 🔧 Glitches, bugs, and performance issues

**Reported bugs**

- Videos failing to upload
- Freezing and crashing issues
- Inconsistent age restrictions

**Requested features**

- Private account option
- Improved content moderation
- Better parental controls
- Green screen/video overlay feature
- Ability to delete account


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Instagram free?

Instagram is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Likee free?

Likee is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Instagram or Likee?

Instagram is rated higher. Instagram averages 4.7 out of 5 from 30M ratings, while Likee averages 4.5 from 563K ratings.

### Do Instagram or Likee have ads?

Instagram shows ads; Likee does not.

### Which is updated more often, Instagram or Likee?

Instagram ships an update weekly, and Likee weekly. Most recently, Instagram was updated on October 29, 2026 and Likee on October 29, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Instagram or Likee?

Instagram currently peaks at #2 in the App Store charts, and Likee at #118. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*