Instagram tests hiding like numbers, upsets users with possible change

July 18, 2019

Instagram revealed that they have begun to test hiding the number of likes and video views some posts receive in several countries, and people aren’t happy.

The company tweeted that they would be testing the new feature in seven countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Japan and New Zealand.

Read more: Universal Music Group estimates 22 masters were lost in 2008 fire

“We’re currently running a test that hides the total number of likes and video views for some people in the following countries,” the company first tweeted.

We’re currently running a test that hides the total number of likes and video views for some people in the following countries:

✅ Australia
Brazil
✅ Canada
✅ Ireland
Italy
✅ Japan
✅ New Zealand pic.twitter.com/2OdzpIUBka

— Instagram (@instagram) July 17, 2019

Then, they explained a bit why they decided to do the testing.

“We want your friends to focus on the photos and videos you share, not how many likes they get. You can still see your own likes by tapping on the list of people who’ve liked it, but your friends will not be able to see how many likes your post has received,” they wrote.

“We’re looking forward to learning more about how this change might benefit everyone’s experience on Instagram,” the company concluded.

We want your friends to focus on the photos and videos you share, not how many likes they get. You can still see your own likes by tapping on the list of people who’ve liked it, but your friends will not be able to see how many likes your post has received.

— Instagram (@instagram) July 17, 2019

We’re looking forward to learning more about how this change might benefit everyone’s experience on Instagram.

— Instagram (@instagram) July 17, 2019

Many people in the replies were unhappy with Instagram’s announcement. However, some understood where the company was coming from and support the decision. See what they had to say down below.

Stop it

— scott anderson (@barteringlines) July 18, 2019

No one asked for this. No one wants this except insecure snowflakes. Thanks.

— CJ Pearson (@thecjpearson) July 18, 2019

Literally no one asked for this! Get rid of it and put our posts back into chronological order

— Alicia (@DiddlyDonger) July 18, 2019

Lol but can you like maybe NOT? Instagram is enough of a joke and we’re all ready to jump ship so like… stop?

PUT OUR TIMELINES BACK IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER WHILST YOUR AT IT! (Aka the only, ONLY, thing we’ve asked you to do that you haven’t done!!!!!)

— becs.mua (@BecsMua) July 17, 2019

Please add this in the US

— Nathan Zed (@NathanZed) July 18, 2019

for a fact i think you should hide the number of followers too, only the owner should know the number not others:))) it will be so much better hope u take this into consideration

— Qᴜᴇᴇɴᴍᴋ ♕ (@Muskankhaann) July 17, 2019

No one:

Literally no one:

Instagram: Not working for the 100000000000000000th time

Me: pic.twitter.com/St38IdI6e3

— ???? ?? ? (@_failureforlife) July 17, 2019

The user will still be able to see their own total likes or views for a post, but their followers will not.

A few months ago, Instagram was testing the feature strictly in Canada.

The head of Instagram Adam Mosseri told Buzzfeed at the time that the test was about “creating a less pressurized environment where people feel comfortable expressing themselves” and focus less on like counts.

“We do hear people worry about how many like counts they get,” Mosseri said.

More Instagram news

Last month, Instagram took documenting your jam sesh on your story to a whole other level with its’ latest update.

The social media platform now allows users to add lyrics to the music in their stories.

To utilize the new function, you must first pick a song from the app’s music library. Then, when you pinpoint the section of the song you want to use your the story, the lyrics will pop up. Then, you can customize the text to look the way you want and add it to your Story.

Instagram has even used Billie Eilish to promote the new feature with her song “my strange addiction.” You can see a video of the ad below.