Likes on Autopilot: What Is an Instagram Like Bot?

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Karen Lin

Instagram 101 | Sep 10, 2024

Want More Real Instagram Followers?

There’s nothing like the confidence boost you get when you open Instagram and see someone spamming your posts with likes. It means that a person loved your content so much that they went through each post and tapped “like,” right? Well, not necessarily. Sometimes, all this is the work of a strategically programmed Instagram like bot.

But what are these bots, and why do they send automatic likes to your page? What’s the point? Keep reading to learn all about this controversial bot scheme to gain more Instagram followers and decide whether it works.

Someone liking a post on Instagram on their mobile phone.

What Are Like Bots on Instagram?

A like bot on social media like Instagram is a tool that automatically likes posts of other people on your behalf. The goal of these bots is to get these users to notice you if you like enough of their posts. This engagement can entice them to visit your page and like your posts back or give you a follow.

A 2021 study found that receiving likes on social media directly boosts happiness and self-esteem levels. It’s a little positive piece of feedback that people clamor for every time they post a photo online. 

And that’s exactly what like bots capitalize on. They send out likes in large numbers, so much so that you end up “spamming” a person’s notifications tab. What they don’t know is that you’re not actually authentically engaging with their content. It’s a bot doing the work.

Using a like bot on Instagram shouldn’t be confused with the act of buying Instagram likes. With a like bot, the goal is not to get more IG likes but to like other people’s posts.

Someone holding their mobile phone up under a pink and white mural of the Instagram like symbol.

How To Bot Likes on Instagram in 3 Steps

Wondering how to bot likes on Instagram to get people to flock to your page? Here’s how the process typically goes, step by step.

1. Choose a Reputable Like Bot Service

The first thing you want to do is find a trustworthy, reputable Instagram like app that can bot likes for your account.


We recommend Plixi, a tool that helps you “auto-grow” by interacting with your target audience using your profile. Plixi uses AI to target your niche audience accurately, ensuring that you engage only with the right people. 

And it’s not exclusively a like bot. It also lets you choose to comment and view Stories, amplifying engagement levels with potential followers. Plus, they have excellent customer service to help you with any concerns while using their service. 

Someone with red nails about tp tap her phone screen to like an Instagram post.

2. Identify Your Target Audience

After signing up for the service and connecting your Instagram account, determine your target audience. Give the like bot details about your target market, such as their age, gender, location, interests, and more.

You can even target specific content topics by naming hashtags related to your page. The like bot will also like content that uses those hashtags.

When you’re happy with your parameters, activate the bot and watch as it gives out automatic likes using your profile.

Someone drawing arrows to point to the word “audience” written on a whiteboard.

3. Monitor the Bot’s Performance and Tweak as Needed

Lastly, keep an eye on how the like bot is performing. See if you’re getting any new IG likes, comments, and followers on your own page. If you’re not happy with the effect of the like bot, tweak the automated engagement strategy as you see fit.

Can You Use an Instagram Like Bot Free of Charge?

No, you typically can’t use an Instagram like bot free of charge. Most like bots are paid services, using AI targeting and advanced automated technologies.

While you may stumble upon free bots in the deepest corners of the internet, we suggest turning a blind eye. Free bot services are more likely to be scams or try to steal your Instagram credentials. Don’t fall victim to these free services, no matter how tempting!

A man looking at his credit card while buying something on his mobile phone.

Can Bots Like Instagram Posts Without Your Consent?

No, like bots will always need your approval as to what your automated engagement strategy will be. Will you stick only to likes? Or will you also add some comments and Story views? Oh, and what kind of people or hashtags should the bot target? You need to sign off on all of these before your like bot service even lifts a finger.

Can bots like Instagram posts of people you don’t know? Technically, yes. All you provide is your defined target audience or targeted content. Whoever the like bot service’s algorithm selects to engage with isn’t up to you. So, there’s always a high chance you have no clue who the like bot is interacting with on your behalf.

How To Remove Bot Likes on Instagram

Hate seeing bots liking your content? Don’t worry. Here’s how to remove bot likes on Instagram and stick only to authentic ones:

1. Open one of your Instagram posts and check the list of likers.

2. Go through each one to see any unfamiliar names that might be bots.

3. Open the profile of a bot liker.

4. Click the three dots at the top of their profile.

5. In the pop-up menu that appears, select Block.

Once you block an account, all of its likes will disappear from your content. That means your likes will only be from real people again.

Better Ways To Increase Your Instagram Likes Naturally

Want to drive organic growth in likes on your Instagram content instead of pesky bot likes? Here are some tips and tricks to get free, genuine likes for your posts:

  • Produce high-quality content you know will pique your target audience’s interest.
  • Hire a reputable Instagram growth service to promote your content to your audience, driving organic views, likes, and followers.
  • Post when your audience is most active so you can get free Instagram likes immediately after you publish your content.
  • Use relevant IG hashtags your niche audience might be following.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Instagram bots work?

Like bots technically “work” because they do indeed deliver automatic likes on the posts of your target audience. However, they might not always work for the main goal of gaining new followers. Many users are privy to like bot schemes and might be inclined to ignore these attempts to “engage” online.

Why are bots liking my Instagram posts?

If you see bots liking your posts, it could mean that you have been targeted by someone’s like bot strategy. You likely fit into their audience definition or use hashtags they’re targeting. That means this person is using likes to lure you onto their page to give them a follow.

What is bot-like behavior on Instagram?

There are many signs of bot-like behavior by fake accounts on IG. These include liking posts at an outrageous speed or leaving generic comments on posts that don’t spark meaningful conversation. Another tell-tale bot-like habit is unfollowing someone after they follow you back.

Drive More Authentic IG Growth (Without Using Bots) With Path Social!

Like bots are a convenient way to get people to notice you online and potentially win them over as followers. Bu,t at the end of the day, the engagement you drive isn’t authentic. It won’t build the rapport you’re looking for with your target audience and can even harm your account later on.

Drop the lame Instagram like bot strategy and drive more authentic growth with Path Social. Instead of generating mindless “engagement,” we promote your content directly to your niche audience. They see your content, and you get genuine engagement and real followers.

We’ve done it for pages like The Beauty of Baking, which boosted engagement by 394% and sales by 107%. And we’ll do it for you, too—without relying on sketchy bot behavior. Drum up interest for your page and get more Instagram followers today with Path Social!