Now, Instagram will hide likes for select users in India
What's the story
If you have been following the popularity of your 'frenemies' by stalking their Instagram profile, now is the time to ditch those tactics. The Facebook-owned photo-sharing giant has decided to kill like counts as part of a broad effort to keep people from seeing the total number of likes on the posts shared by their friends or even siblings. Here's all about the test.
Test
Hiding like counts from Instagram posts
Over the last few months, Instagram has been hiding like counts for users in select countries. The test prevented people from seeing the number of likes received on other people's posts and is now being expanded to all over the world, including India. This means, there's a good chance you may lose the ability to see how many people have liked your friends' photos/videos.
Goal
Why Instagram is making this change?
Though hiding likes seems like a good way to annoy people, it is actually aimed at the overall welfare of the Instagram community. The company essentially hopes hidden like counts will reduce the pressure of inadequacy mushrooming amongst Instagram users - particularly the young ones - and change how they feel about the social media platform.
Problem
Like count can lead to low self-esteem in youngsters
Evidently, low self-esteem and inadequacy has grown to be a major problem for youngsters using platforms like Snapchat/Instagram. They see how many likes their friends/colleagues get on their pictures and feel demotivated, sometimes even depressed, for failing to stand out in the crowd. This test will end that need for validation and bring users' focus back on content instead of its engagement.
Details
You can still see likes on your own posts
If you're included in Instagram's global test, you will no longer be able to see likes or views received on your friends' posts. However, do note that this won't apply to your own posts and you will still have the ability to see how many people have engaged with the content you have shared on your own profile.
Twitter Post
Test participants will get this message from Instagram
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
Global roll out
Global roll out still remains unconfirmed
Having said that, it is also important to note that this is just a test aimed at taking feedback from the global community. Instagram previously said the feedback had been positive, and now, following this test, it will assess more responses and take a final call on whether hidden like counts should be introduced as a global feature for all Instagram users.