Instagram Is Removing ‘Likes’ For Australian Users In Global Test
Should the trial stay?
As of today, Australian Instagram users won’t be able to see ‘likes’ on posts due to a new trial rolling out across the country.
The trial was first rolled out in Canada back in May, with Australia now one of seven countries participating in the test.
“We’re currently running a test that hides the total number of likes and video views for some people in the following countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand," the company announced on social media.
“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.
“We’re looking forward to learning more about how this change might benefit everyone’s experience on Instagram.
A pop-up should eventually appear on users accounts, notifying us that a change in how we see ‘likes’ is being tested.
Rest assured, the ‘like’ feature will still be available, we just won’t be able to see other people’s ‘likes’. Users will be able to see their own like count, just not the ‘likes’ of others. The same will go for video views.
The test will not impact measurement tools like Insights or Ads Managers, so businesses and influencers will still be able to track their performance.
“The idea is to just really let you focus on the content and the experience of engaging without being worried or feeling pressured over how many likes a post has received”, Garlick told 7News.
Has the trial rolled out on your account yet?
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