Instagram is hiding likes in a worldwide trial
Have you lost your likes? You’re not the only one
Instagram first began hiding likes months ago in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Ireland, Italy and New Zealand.
Now it’s being trialled worldwide, with countless users taking to Instagram and Twitter to share their reactions. The new measure only affects some users in the UK, leading to confusion to whether it will be eventually introduced to all users or not.
Starting today, we’re expanding our test of private like counts globally. If you’re in the test, you’ll no longer see the total number of likes and views on photos and videos posted to Feed unless they’re your own. pic.twitter.com/DztSH0xiq2
— Instagram (@instagram) November 14, 2019
In the trial, users can still see who has liked their posts, but the total number remains hidden from public view. Many have applauded Instagram for taking this action, saying that hiding likes is going to help mental health for users of the app worldwide. However, influencers have expressed concerns that it will impact their earning power, as likes are one of the metrics used to gauge the value of their accounts.
Everyone crying about the Instagram likes going, I think this is a positive step personally, so many people base their value on likes, it’s too much pressure, also influencers won’t be affected, brands want to see engagement & stats not just look at how many likes you get
— Chanélle McCleary 🕊 (@MissMcCleary) November 14, 2019
Others have speculated that Instagram has hidden likes for business purposes, to control the algorithm without having to honour organic content, and thus make more money from brand partnerships. It seems unlikely that there isn’t some business-minded bias behind the decision.