Instagram is working toward removing the likes count from April 2019. Users will be able to view the number of likes on their posts only. The change is being tested in seven countries worldwide. First, they began private like counts test in Canada. soon after this in July, the test started in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Ireland, Italy, and Brazil. As information came last week that Instagram will start hiding likes in the US.
Instagram not only did the test’s expansion to the US but it started private like counts globally for some of the users in each country. The company is taking this huge fundamental change to Instagram for making users more comfortable with sharing the content without any fear of getting low like counts. Instagram also made a post via twitter that the test has been running and giving positive feedbacks.
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
Instagram CEO, Adam Mosseri earlier said the test will be expanded in the US. However now the tweets made from official accounts clarifies the global expansion of the test.
In addition, we understand that like counts are important for many creators, and we are actively thinking through ways for creators to communicate value to their partners.
— Instagram (@instagram) November 14, 2019
Instagram app started creating self-esteem and low confidence issue for many users. To resolve this negativity of social media likes, the company is taking this huge step. However, some popular creators will face problem in proving the reach of their account to sponsors. Instagram promises to find a way for creators if screenshot doesn’t work.
Instagram’s parent Facebook is also planning to test new hidden like counts on posts.