Instagram Set To Hide Likes Count To Reduce ‘Pressure’

Instagram has piloted tests aimed at removing likes counts from the photo-sharing app in a bid to reduce pressure that comes with the scramble for likes.

According to a statement from the management, the new development is set to shift the focus from accumulating likes to telling the stories people feel like.

“We hope this test will remove the pressure of how many likes a post will receive, so you can focus on sharing the things you love,” Mia Garlick, Facebook Australia and New Zealand director of policy, said in a statement.

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In the development, Instagram will show “liked by *user and others” instead of the number, the the account owner will be able to see the number. Other users will be able to see the list of the people who like the post, and can estimate the number of likes through manual counting.

“We want people to worry a little bit less about how many likes they’re getting on Instagram and spend a bit more time connecting with the people that they care about,” added Garlick.

The exercise was launched in  Canada (in May) and the new test is rolling out in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Italy, Japan and Brazil.

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