Instagram have started hiding like counts on the photo-sharing app – here’s why

When you scroll down your Instagram feed on your phone you can see just how many “likes” a picture has received, but this could be about to change.

Instagram have announced they are trialling hiding the amount of likes a photo receives to try and “remove pressure” on its users.

The trial, which has been rolled out in Ireland, Italy, Brazil, Japan, New Zealand and Australia, will replace the number of real time likes a snap has received with one user name “and users” below the post.

The test comes after Instagram launched a similar test in Canada in May. Instagram announced the test on their Twitter with a statement which said: “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.”

The statement added: “We’re looking forward to learning more about how this change might benefit everyone’s experience on Instagram.”

Instagram insisted the test won’t affect businesses that use it because users can still view the list of people who’ve liked their post by clicking into it.

The move has received mixed reactions online, with some praising the idea behind the test.

"Fantastic idea. It will curb the narcissism and ridiculous s**t people do for money and attention. Im 100% for it!” one user said.

“Very happy to read this! Instagram should be about sharing your life, not chasing approval from others…” another added.

While a third wrote: “This is really good, atleast people won’t be slaves for likes anymore.” [sic]

And another praised the app, saying: “This is such a beautiful move. Many users have faced severe emotional trauma in the past. And they go to extents to make their posts appealing. I endorse this move. Good job.”

But, not everyone agreed with the change, with some pointing out there are other features on the app they’d want changing.

“This is absolutely sickening. Give people the choice to show their likes if they want to or the option to hide them if they dont want to. Same with the amount of followers,” one user said. [sic]

“Idk about y’all, but I actually HATE not seeing the likes on influencers accounts. It’s just frustrating,” another user added. [sic]

“It’s a terrible idea,” a third user said. “All some people with mental health issues have is social media…it gives them self-confidence they cannot obtain in their day to day lives.” [sic]

Instagram, which is owned by Facebook, says the trial is temporary and the platform will respond to feedback.

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