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Instagram 'likes' hidden: Why the social media site is going to hide them

Last updated at 06:35
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Instagram.Getty Images

Instagram has started its experiment to remove the number of likes from a post.

The feature, which is currently being trialled in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Japan and New Zealand removes publicly viewable 'like' counts from individual posts.

Instead of a 'like' count being displayed using numbers, images will only show that a few users "and others" had liked a particular post.

Read more: Why the new Raven Aisha doesn't believe in chasing likes online

"We want your friends to focus on the photos and videos you share, not how many likes they get" say the company.

Account owners will still be able to view exact like counts in a separate page that only they can see.

At this stage, it's unclear whether it will become a permanent feature.

Instagram also hasn't not said when, or if the service will be available to UK users.

Would you like to see the 'likes' on a post being hidden? Let us know in the comments section below.

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20 comments

  • I think they shouldn't do this because most people want to know if other people physically like something instead of saying "like this for ( ) reason"

  • "I am not old enough to use Instagram but for people who are, I think they shouldn't do it"

    I agree

  • Seriously, why are they hiding likes?!

  • Social media is just influencing so many young people in dangerous ways. Instagram, snapchat, and all the others aren't doing enough for us. They may be making little changes but we need more to protect us.

  • I do think that people are chasing likes to much, even in the cbbc comments I've found stuff like "like if you got this quiz score", "like if you like unicorns" etc. Etc. Etc. I do think that social media should do something about it but this IS a bit too far don't you think?!❤️❌😕

  • This is just my opinion if you think they should do this, then do that.

  • I am not old enough to use Instagram but for people who are, I think they shouldn't do it

  • I think it’s not a good idea as some people might like getting likes and people should learn that if you don’t get that many likes, it DOESN’T MATTER.

    🐨🐼Hufflepuff 🐨🐼

  • u no what?
    i dont really care cuz im 10 i cant use insta

  • I don't really care.

  • I think it's good because it will mean that people will only like the pictures if they actually like it not just if their friends like it and it will mean the person who posts it doesn't have to look at the dislikes so they don't have to get upset.

  • Good

  • I think it's a great idea and should definitely become permanent, but honestly I don't know what it would be like as sadly I'm not allowed near Instagram, even though all my friends are on it
    I'm twelve by the way. Surely that is old enough for Instagram?! Like if you agree

  • but how does showing your likes even do any harm?

  • Great idea! This will stop people comparing there selves of how popular they are! 💡

    ♥️Specialnectarine♥️

  • Nice idea!

  • Good idea 💡

  • Yay first comment!

  • That is quite cool!

  • Yes because then somebody can't just like it if its popular they will like it if they like it.

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