Why “Like Not Sent” On Instagram Story Error Occurs & How To Fix It?
Instagram, one of the most popular social media platforms, allows users to share photos, videos, and stories with their followers.
However, sometimes when trying to like an Instagram story, users may encounter the “Like Not Sent” error message.
This can be frustrating and leave you wondering what went wrong.
In this article, Social Think, your go-to source for social media strategy and analytics, will explore what “Like Not Sent” means on stories and how to resolve this issue.
What Does “Like Not Sent” On Instagram Story Means?
The “Like Not Sent” error on Instagram stories occurs when you attempt to like someone’s story, but Instagram fails to register your likes.
This means that even though you tapped the like button, the person who posted the story will not see that you liked it. The “Like Not Sent” message appears to inform you that your like was unsuccessful.
This error disrupts the seamless user experience that social media platforms strive for, leaving you wondering if your appreciation reached its intended recipient.
However, it’s usually a temporary glitch with relatively easy solutions.
Can I See Who Liked My Instagram Story?
Yes, you can see who liked your Instagram story. When someone likes your story, their profile picture will appear in the “Seen by” list at the bottom of your story.
However, if someone encounters the “Like Not Sent” error while trying to like your story, their like will not be registered, and you won’t see their profile picture in the list.
Why Does the “Like Not Sent” Error Occur on Instagram?
There are several reasons why the “Like Not Sent” error may occur on Instagram:
Poor Internet Connection
A weak or unstable internet connection is one of the most common reasons for the “Like Not Sent“. If your device is not connected to a strong Wi-Fi signal or has a poor mobile data connection, Instagram may have trouble registering your likes.
Outdated Instagram App
Using an outdated version of the Instagram app can also cause the “Like Not Sent” issue. Instagram regularly releases updates to fix bugs and improve performance. If you haven’t updated your app in a while, you may experience technical glitches like this one.
Instagram Server Issues
Sometimes, the problem may not be on your end at all. If Instagram’s servers are experiencing technical issues or undergoing maintenance, you may encounter the “Like Not Sent” error when trying to like a story.
During such instances, features like sending likes might be temporarily unavailable. These server issues are usually beyond your control, and you can only wait for Instagram to resolve them.
If you suspect Instagram’s servers are down, you can check online platforms like X (Twitter) or sites like Down Detector for real-time updates on Instagram’s server status.
Account Restrictions
In some cases, the “Like Not Sent” error can occur due to account restrictions. If Instagram has temporarily blocked your account for violating their terms of use or community guidelines, you may be unable to like stories or perform other actions on the platform.
For instance, suppose you’ve been liking, following, or unfollowing accounts excessively in a short period. In that case, Instagram might temporarily restrict certain actions, including sending likes. This is done to protect the community and maintain authentic interactions.
Ways to Resolve the “Like Not Sent” Problem?
Now that you know why the “Like Not Sent” error happens, let’s look at some ways to fix it:
Update the Instagram App
Visit the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android) and check if there are any available updates for Instagram. If there is an update, download and install it to see if this resolves the issue
Updating the app ensures you’re using the most stable and bug-free version, potentially resolving the error.
Check Your Internet Connection
A stable internet connection is essential for most social media apps, including Instagram. A weak or fluctuating connection can interrupt actions like sending likes, leading to errors.
If you’re using mobile data, try switching to a Wi-Fi network to see if that helps. If you’re already on Wi-Fi, try moving closer to the router or connecting to a different network.
Switching to a different internet source can also help determine if the problem lies with your current connection.
Clear Instagram App Cache and Data
Clearing the Instagram app’s cache and data can often resolve technical issues like the “Like Not Sent” error. Here’s how to do it:
- For Android users: Go to your device’s Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage > Clear Cache and Clear Data.
- For iPhone users: You can’t clear the app cache directly, but you can try uninstalling and reinstalling the Instagram app to achieve a similar effect.
Be sure that clearing the cache might log you out of the app, requiring you to re-enter your login credentials.
Log Out and Log Back In
Sometimes, simply logging out of your Instagram account and logging back into your business accounts can resolve the ‘Like Not Sent‘ problem.
To do this, go to your profile, tap the three lines in the top right corner, select ‘Settings,’ scroll down and tap ‘Log Out.’ Then, log back into your account and try liking a public post or story in your Instagram feed again, avoiding any automation tools that may interfere with the process.
Report the Problem to Instagram Support
If none of the above solutions work, you can report the account issue to Instagram’s support team.
Go to your Instagram profile, tap the three lines in the top right corner, select “Settings,” then “Help,” and finally “Report a Problem.”
Describe the “Like Not Sent” error you’re experiencing, and ensure that you’re using the latest version of Instagram so that the team can effectively investigate the issue, especially since issues may also relate to your Facebook (FB) account.
How to Like Instagram Stories and How to See Who Liked Yours?
To like an Instagram story, simply tap the heart icon at the bottom of the story while viewing it.
If the like is successful, the heart will fill in red. To see who liked your own Instagram story, open your story and swipe up on the screen.
You’ll see a list of profile pictures of the people who viewed your story, and those who liked it will have a red heart next to their name.
Why Can’t I See Stories On Instagram?
If you can’t see someone’s Instagram stories, it could be for a few reasons:
- The person has a private account, and you’re not following them.
- The person has blocked you from viewing their stories.
- The person has hidden their story from you using the “Close Friends” feature.
- The story has expired (Instagram stories disappear after 24 hours).
Why Can’t You Like Stories?
If you’re unable to like someone’s Instagram story, it may be because:
- You’ve encountered the “Like Not Sent” error due to technical issues or account restrictions.
- The person has disabled story replies, which also disables likes.
- The story has expired, and you can no longer interact with it.
Why Can’t You Hear Stories?
If you can see an Instagram story but can’t hear the audio, make sure your device’s volume is turned up and not set to silent mode. Also, check that the story actually has audio – not all stories include sound.
FAQ’s:
What does it mean when Instagram says “Like Not Sent”?
It means that even though you tapped the like button on someone’s story, Instagram failed to register your like due to technical issues or account restrictions
How can I tell if someone has blocked me from viewing their story?
If you can’t find a user’s Instagram story or their profile doesn’t show their posts, they might have blocked you. Other signs are not being able to follow them or seeing their last message timestamp without any new updates.
Why can’t I like my friends’ Instagram stories?
You may be experiencing the “Like Not Sent” error, or your friend may have disabled story replies. Try the troubleshooting steps mentioned above, or ask your friend if they’ve turned off story replies.
Can I see who liked my Instagram story?
Yes, you can see who liked your story by opening your story and swiping up on the screen. The people who liked your story will have a red heart next to their profile picture in the “Seen by” list.
How do I like an Instagram story without sending a DM?
Simply tap the heart icon at the bottom of the story while viewing it. Liking a story does not send a direct message to the person unless you reply to their story with a message.
Will the other person know if I liked their Instagram story?
Yes, when you like someone’s Instagram story, your profile picture will appear in their “Seen by” list with a red heart next to it, indicating that you liked the story
Conclusion
The “Like Not Sent” error on Instagram stories can be frustrating, but it’s usually easy to resolve.
To check your internet connection, update the Instagram app, clear the app’s cache, or report the issue to Instagram support, you can get back to liking your friends’ stories in your free time.
Be sure if you’re ever unsure why you can’t see or interact with someone’s story, it could be due to their privacy settings or account restrictions. Keep an eye out for updates and announcements from Instagram to stay informed about any platform-wide issues that may affect your ability to like stories.
As always, Social Think is here to provide you with the latest social media insights and strategies to help you navigate the ever-changing digital landscape.
