Instagram removes Likes count on pics and video
In a few tweets, Instagram has confirmed that it’ll be removing the likes counts for users in more countries globally:
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
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
This has raised concerns from many content creators about how they can pitch themselves or be picked for partnerships when they have little to no numbers to show so we’ll have to wait and see what tools Instagram comes up with.
The removal of likes came about as Instagram decided it wanted to shift the focus of the content posted on its site to be all about the content, and not the number of likes one gets.
TechCrunch reports that “users can still see who Liked their own posts and a total count by tapping on the Likers list. Viewers of a post will only see a few names of mutual friends who Liked it. They can tap through to view the Likers list but would have to manually count them.”
