Instagram and Facebook now let you CHOOSE if you want to hide likes or not

Instagram and Facebook have announced new options for hiding likes on posts, in the hopes of building a ‘more positive experience’ on the platforms.

The popular apps began hiding like counts for users in seven countries back in 2019 to understand if it ‘reduces pressure associated with posting’.

But the trial received some negative user feedback – leading to the Facebook-owned apps making a few alterations this time around.

This time, users will be able to choose whether they see likes on other users’ posts, as well as whether other users see likes on their posts.

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Instagram and Facebook have announced new options for hiding likes on posts, in the hopes of building a ‘more positive experience’ on the platforms

Instagram has concerns that seeing a post with thousands of likes can lead to feelings of low self-worth for users who only get a few likes or have just a handful of followers.

The efforts to make users feel happier online amid concerns social media can contribute to low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy in young people. 

Instagram announced the new like-hiding options in a blog today.

It explained: ‘You may have noticed that we’ve been testing hiding like counts on Instagram for a while.

‘Today, we’re announcing that everyone on Instagram and Facebook will now have the option to hide their public like counts, so they can decide what works for them.’

From today, users will be given the option to hide like counts on all posts in their feed, or on their own posts.

‘This way, if you like, you can focus on the photos and videos being shared, instead of how many likes posts get,’ Instagram explained.

Alternatively, users can hide like counts on others’ posts by visiting the new Posts section in settings.

From today, users will be given the option to hide like counts on all posts in their feed, or on their own posts

The like-hiding options were first tested back in 2019 to see if it might ‘depressurise people’s experience on Instagram’.

However, some independent experts have suggested the decision was actually more to do with advertising and revenue. 

‘Let’s stop the bulls**t that this recent change is about reducing the incidence of mental health among their users,’ said Dave Levett, head of Australian marketing agency Murmur.

‘It’s about raising ad revenue for the platform, and make Instagram more appealing for small businesses and brands to pump dollars into the growing social behemoth.’ 

The move was also criticised by many influencers, who rely on like counts for securing new brand deals.  

Instagram explained: ‘What we heard from people and experts was that not seeing like counts was beneficial for some, and annoying to others, particularly because people use like counts to get a sense for what’s trending or popular, so we’re giving you the choice.’

The apps hope the update will change the way people view like counts.

‘Changing the way people view like counts is a big shift. We’ll continue working on new ways to give people more choice, so they feel good about the time they spend on our apps,’ it added.