Remember the wild west days of Instagram, when bots ruled the feeds and automated likes were the not-so-secret weapon for rapid growth? For a while, it seemed like the easiest path to a massive following. But in 2025, the landscape has dramatically shifted. The platform’s algorithm is smarter, users are more discerning, and the old “set it and forget it” automation tactics are not just ineffective; they are dangerous.

However, a new, more nuanced conversation is emerging. It is not about whether to engage, but how. In this evolved digital ecosystem, the humble “like” has been counted out by many, but we are here to argue that when used strategically, it is far from obsolete. This article will debunk the common myths surrounding Instagram automation and reveal why a thoughtful approach to engagement, including likes, is your golden ticket to genuine growth this year.

The Rise and Fall of “Set-and-Forget” Automation

Let us take a quick trip down memory lane. A few years ago, automation tools that could like, follow, and comment on autopilot were all the rage. The promise was simple: mimic human activity to trick the algorithm into giving your account more visibility. And for a short while, it worked. But the fallout was inevitable.

Instagram’s parent company, Meta, waged a war on inauthentic behavior. The result was a crackdown that included:

• Shadowbanning: Accounts were hidden from hashtag and Explore page results without any notification.
• Account Suspensions: Repeated offenders found their accounts temporarily disabled or permanently deleted.
• Plummeting Engagement: Even when avoiding a ban, engagement rates would tank because the algorithm recognized the activity as spammy.

This led to the birth of the biggest myth in modern Instagram marketing: All automation is bad. This blanket statement, while well-intentioned, ignores the evolution of both the technology and the strategy behind it.

Myth #1: All Automation Will Get You Banned

This is the most pervasive fear, and it stops many creators and businesses from leveraging tools that could genuinely help them. The truth is more nuanced. Instagram’s terms of service target inauthentic activity, not all forms of assistance.

The key differentiator is behavior simulation. Tools that perform actions like liking, following, and commenting on a rigid, inhuman schedule are the ones that get flagged. However, using a scheduler for posts or a tool to manage your DMs is perfectly safe and encouraged. The risk is not in using software; it is in how that software interacts with the platform on your behalf.

As highlighted in the comprehensive Metapress automation guide, the safest approach to any form of engagement tool is one that prioritizes platform compliance and mirrors genuine user behavior, avoiding the patterns that trigger Instagram’s security systems.

Myth #2: Likes Are a Vanity Metric with No Real Value

With the rise of video and the removal of public like counts in some regions, many declared the like button dead. They argued that saves, shares, and comments were the only metrics that mattered. This is a dangerous oversimplification.

While it is true that you should value deeper engagement, a like is still a powerful, immediate signal to the algorithm. Think of it this way:

1. A Positive Signal: A like is a quick “yes” from a user. It tells Instagram, “This user enjoyed this piece of content.” This positive signal contributes to the post’s overall ranking, increasing its potential to be shown to more people, including your existing followers.
2. The Gateway to Deeper Engagement: A like is often the first step in a user’s engagement journey. Someone who discovers you and likes your post today might save it tomorrow, comment next week, and become a loyal follower. Dismissing this initial point of connection is a missed opportunity.
3. Content Research Tool: The aggregate data of which posts get the most likes provides invaluable insight into what your audience wants to see more of. It is direct, actionable feedback.

A recent BI Africa’s 2025 Instagram report confirmed that content receiving a high volume of likes in the first hour still sees a statistically significant boost in overall reach compared to content with slower initial engagement, proving that the metric remains a key growth signal.

The 2025 Strategy: What “Strategic Liking” Really Looks Like

So, if brute-force automation is out, but likes are still in, what is the winning formula? It is called Strategic Liking. This is a mindful, human-centric approach to engagement that leverages the efficiency of modern tools without sacrificing authenticity.

Here is how to implement it:

1. Define Your “Why” and “Who”

Before you double-tap a single post, know your goal. Strategic liking is about fostering community and building relationships.

• Goal: To build rapport with potential collaborators.
• Action: Consistently like and engage with the content of 10 to 15 accounts in your niche that you admire.
• Goal: To welcome new followers.
• Action: When you get a new follower, like and comment on one of their recent posts to say thank you.

2. The Power of Manual, Batch Engagement

Instead of using a bot, schedule 15 to 20 minutes per day for pure engagement. This is a focused, human-powered activity.

• Step 1: Open your list of target accounts (competitors, leaders in your niche, key followers).
• Step 2: Scroll through their feeds and genuinely engage with their latest content.
• Step 3: Go through your key hashtags and like or comment on new posts from accounts you do not yet follow.

This method is efficient but retains the authentic randomness and timing of a real user.

3. Leverage Safe Tools for Reminders, Not Actions

Use your calendar or a project management tool to create a “strategic engagement” schedule. For instance, you can set reminders to:

• Check in on your top five community members every Monday.
• Engage with posts under your primary industry hashtag every Wednesday.
• Welcome new followers every Friday.

This provides structure without handing over control to a spam-prone bot.

Key Takeaways for Your 2025 Instagram Strategy

As we navigate the complexities of Instagram this year, it is clear that the game has changed from quantity to quality.

• Automation Is Not Black and White: The tools themselves are not the enemy; the spammy behavior they can produce is. Focus on authentic interaction.
• Likes Are a Foundational Metric: They are a crucial early signal to the algorithm and a gateway to building deeper relationships with your audience. Do not write them off.
• Strategy Trumps Speed: A handful of strategic, well-timed likes on the right accounts are infinitely more valuable than a thousand random, automated ones.
• Be a Human, Not a Bot: The ultimate Instagram growth hack in 2025 is the same as it has always been: genuine human connection. Use tools to facilitate that connection, not replace it.

In conclusion, the myth that likes do not matter or that all automation is evil is holding many accounts back. By embracing a strategy of mindful, purposeful engagement, you can harness the enduring power of the like to build a more resilient, active, and loyal community on Instagram. Now, go be strategic with that double-tap.