If you are a frequent user of Instagram, then over the last few months, you must have noticed various updates. Recently Instagram is testing hiding likes and views from public. It’s already rolled out in multiple countries and markets. Coming back to the core principle of this sweet kid. The basic idea behind the establishment of Facebook-owned Instagram and other platforms was to foster relationships and make the engagement a priority.
With Time, the focus of users has shifted to garnering piles of likes rather than interacting with their audience. People are running after this metric insanely, forgetting all the other intricate features. This made Instagram roll out this new update of hiding likes and views on your posts from other people because people were diverting from main idea. Wait awhile I will explain in deep.
Before that, let me ask you some questions. Which is the first thing you look for when dealing with influencers? What makes you think the post is popular or not? Whenever you check your Instagram posts, what is the first thing you focus on? I hate to say this, but the answer to all these questions is LIKES LIKES and ALL LIKES. I hope you got my point; that’s how much we are caught up in the tornado.
Why Instagram hiding likes and views and What it means?
It came to light that Instagram is testing hiding likes as well as video views in six countries according to a report by Tech Crunch. The countries counted in are Ireland, Brazil, Italy, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. Some Instagrammers of Canada also saw a glimpse of it. In future, I think it will be expanded worldwide.
The original creators of Instagram Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger are smoothly pushed out of their position, and Facebook replaced everything. Many popular influencers and social media experts said: “Facebook is using Instagram as a band-aid to cover up its blunders done in the past.” The current CEO, Adam Mosseri, in an interview with Time, explained various minute things.
In simple words, the like counter from posts and views from videos hidden from public view will have great impact how you used to use IG. The person who posted or the actual owner will only be able to see it. In a tweet, Instagram 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 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.”
Now answering WHY. Insta is doing this to bring people closer, beat the fierce competition by not deviating from core aim and making the environment calmer. I believe removing the likes counter will come with loads of both pros and cons as well. People will start focusing more on creating quality content and fostering relationships with the audience. No one will judge you based on likes received. Your creativity will not be neglected. From hiding likes to anti-bullying updates, Instagram will might become a better place to interact rather than a battleground for gaining more red hearts. I will discuss the other side also.
Going back in Time, what made Insta spread like wildfire was those appealing graphics and videos that kept you hooked. Why not come back to it? Even the stories don’t have any like feature still it gained immense popularity. Steadily, people will get addicted to a new pattern.
Another side of Instagram hiding likes and views update
If likes gone then what. This move can also be considered as a push to make people plunge into spending more dollars on advertisements. Moreover, pacifying advertisers to worry less about reactions instead focus on the reach, impressions, or saves obtained. After all Instagram is also doing a business.
The influencers from now on will look for another method. The effect of update are lot bigger than it seem. Every industry and business would get affected. For some, Instagram is bread and butter; they will deeply be influenced by this hiding likes and views update of Instagram. Instead of crying, I suggest finding other ways to keep the ball rolling.
How hiding likes and views on Instagram will affect businesses and influencers?
The question on everyone’s mind right now. I will consider both the sides while answering it.
No industry or market has will left untouched after this update rolled out. The influencer marketing industry that leans on likes will profoundly be affected by this update. Before connecting, people use likes as a metric to judge whether the influencer is famous enough or not. I think now the focus would be on followers count and comments on posts. People will spend more on Instagram ads.
When the likes count is out of sight, then people will focus more on what you posted and what actually it’s trying to portray. The entire environment of the platform would be less pressurized. The businesses who are new or recently started working on Insta are at an enormous benefit. Nobody will judge them, and they will perform best at their level. Moreover, instead of scrolling and scrolling people will heed to and connect with content.
Additionally, you don’t need to check time and again, how many hearts received? On the other side, it will be hard for the businesses or brand to find influences to work with. With the removal of likes, brands will focus more on their followers, which was earlier a forgotten aspect. The social media marketing companies who sell fraudulent likes will be at a loss.
Everyone present on the platform will focus more on creating artsy fresh content. The update challenged all the users around to come up with new ideas for interacting with the audience. Don’t worry; you will still be able to see the people who liked your posts. The transition would be great.
Conclusion
According to me, it will bring positive results as the brands and influencers will no more focus on unnecessary things by neglecting other aspects. Nobody will feel the mental pressure of running behind likes. Additionally, people will start heeding to other major platforms like Pinterest, Twitter, etc.
This update can be called as one of the significant changes made in years. Similar to likes, views are also hidden. Below the pictures, you will see “liked by jasmine and others,” a name was taken for reference.
The update is still in the testing phase. Some are relaxed where others are worried. Everybody has a different response. After the testing of hiding likes and views on Instagram feature, if it rolled out completely, then you will come to know how its performing. Don’t jump to a conclusion quickly. Keep an eye on the upcoming updates. Now is the high Time to look for other ways to improve engagement on Instagram? Let us see whether the results will be in favour or against? What your take on it? Do share with me in comments.
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