Instagram is testing hiding likes - tell us what you think

[AmieMumsnet]

Jane Manchun Wong (known for uncovering code and features in testing on your favourite social platforms) has uncovered the fact that Instagram is looking at removing the number of likes from a post.

Instagram insists this is merely a prototype at the moment and not yet even in testing - they're simply exploring ways of removing the pressure many users feel when using the platform to gain the most number of likes.

But what would this mean for the influencer marketing industry and the influencers who rely on those metrics to work with brands and prove their worth?

Behind the scenes, Instagram is saying the poster will still be able to see those metrics - it's just your followers won't be able to see the number of people who have liked your image. So from a commercial prospective, nothing will really change - though it's currently unclear whether these 'dark metrics' will be visible to tracking platforms such as Buzoole and or Tribe many influencers use to connect with brands. Instagram said:

“We want your followers to focus on what you share, not how many likes your posts get. During this test, only the person who shares a post will see the total number of likes it gets.”

While this may encourage users to post more authentically, being less self conscious about the number of hearts a post gets there doesn't seem to be a plan to remove the follower count (arguably the true popularity contest for many) from an individual's profile, something Pinterest did last year saying that it wasn't a true measure of an user's influence or activity on the platform. So while Instagram is clearly taking the concerns around mental health seriously, the question is would this really be enough?

Let us know your take on the news! We'd love to know what you think and how this might affect you and your business.

Read more about the developments at Instagram via the article on TechCrunch.

[AmieMumsnet]

So much for 'it's not even in testing yet'!

twitter.com/latermedia/status/1123339810200940545

[AnchorDownDeepBreath]

Instagram confirmed this at the F8 summit two days ago...

It's rolled out in Canada and is expected in parts of the US this week.

[BusyMum1978]

Great idea!

[Sharksies]

Why is it a great idea?

[Hellofromtheotherside2020]

We have had this in Australia for a couple of months now, on facebook and instagram. To be honest, doesn't make any difference to me. Influencers were mad about it initially but nothing's really said anymore so couldn't have hurt their brand that much! I prefer it like this.

[Wondersense]

Unless they do this on followers count, it doesn't mean anything. One of the big difference. One of the big differences between Tumblr and Instagram is the way people follow you. Tumblr users follow what they genuinely like. There is no follow-unfollow games on there because no one is worried about their follow count. It' very different on Instagram. The follow count makes people anxious and encourages stupid behaviour.