Author
Home > Sociology > What is the Difference Between Facebook Like and Share?

Guilherme Mazui

•4 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Facebook Like and Share?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between a Facebook "Like" and a "Share" lies in the level of engagement and visibility they provide:

Facebook Like:

  • A "Like" indicates that a user appreciates or supports a post, page, or comment.
  • It is a form of positive feedback that can trigger the Facebook algorithm, increasing the visibility of the content to other users.
  • Likes can help you reach people other than fans and allow you to invite people to like your page.
  • They do not directly increase the reach outside your network of fans.

Facebook Share:

  • A "Share" allows users to post a link to a webpage or content onto their own Facebook timeline, along with an optional comment.
  • Sharing is a more powerful option as it provides guaranteed reach outside your network of fans.
  • It gives visitors the opportunity to engage with your content and share it with their friends, potentially increasing your content's visibility and reach.
  • Sharing gives you insight into what content your audience wants to see.

In summary, while both "Likes" and "Shares" are important for engagement and visibility, "Shares" are considered more valuable as they directly increase the reach of your content and encourage further engagement from other users.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Facebook Like and Share?
  • Comparative Table: Facebook Like vs Share

    • Comparative Table: Facebook Like vs Share

    The main difference between a Facebook "Like" and a "Share" lies in the actions they represent and the content they refer to. Here is a table summarizing the differences:

    Feature Like Share
    Definition A "Like" indicates a user's approval or appreciation for a specific piece of content. A "Share" allows a user to distribute specific content to their friends, encouraging further interactions.
    Action Clicking "Like" is a simple, one-time action that shows support for the content or page. Sharing involves selecting the "Share" button, choosing the audience (public, friends, or a specific list), and adding an optional comment before posting.
    Content Type Likes can be given to various types of content, such as posts, photos, videos, or even pages. Shares typically involve posts, articles, or other content that a user finds valuable or interesting enough to share with their network.
    Visibility Likes are visible on the original piece of content and can also appear on a user's profile or newsfeed. Shared content appears on the user's newsfeed and can be seen by their friends, who may then engage with the content or share it further.
    Engagement Liking a piece of content is a passive form of engagement, showing interest without actively interacting with the content. Sharing content is an active form of engagement, as it involves selecting, formatting, and distributing the content to one's network.

    In summary, a "Like" is a simple way for users to express their appreciation for content, while a "Share" involves distributing content to one's network, encouraging further interactions and engagement.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.