Instagram to Start Hiding 'Likes' Counter

Change has been tested in other countries for months
By Bob Cronin,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 9, 2019 12:49 PM CST
Instagram to Start Hiding 'Likes' Counter
Instagram is expanding a test to hide how many “likes” people’s posts receive on its photo-sharing app.   (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Instagram plans to test a change that could take remove some of the pressure in social media. Starting next week, the "likes" counter will be visible only to the user. Followers won't be able to see it, Variety reports, and it won't be in public feeds. The change, which has been tested in other countries, including Canada, will be phased in gradually in the US. In making the announcement Friday, CEO Adam Mosseri said the idea is to "depressurize" Instagram for users, per Engadget.

"We want your friends to focus on the photos and videos you share, not how many likes they get," Instagram said earlier, and plans are to monitor how the change affects users' feelings and satisfaction. The follower count will still be visible to all. Facebook announced a similar test for users in Australia, also planning to collect feedback on the effects. (More Instagram stories.)

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