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The pressure's off: Instagram removes the 'like' count in more countries
Instagram first conducted its test that hides "likes" in Canada in May.
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Facebook-owned Instagram has expanded its test that hides "likes" to more countries. (Shutterstock/wichayada suwanachun)
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opular photo sharing application Instagram has expanded its trial for the removal of "likes" to more countries, including Ireland, Italy, Japan, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand, CNN reports.
Instagram first conducted the trial that hides "likes" in Canada in May.
The removal of "likes" on the platform aims to reduce pressure faced by certain users for not getting enough "likes".
The trial removes the overall number of "likes" on photos and videos from the main feed, profiles or permalink pages. However, The Guardian reported that users would still be able to see a list of likes on the post.
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Despite removing the number of likes on the feed, the changes reportedly wouldn't affect measurement tools for businesses and creators on the platform as the likes and engagement metrics would still be available in those tools.
In Australia, a similar test was introduced on Thursday.
“We hope this test will remove the pressure of how many 'likes' a post receives, so you can focus on sharing the things you love,” said Facebook Australia and New Zealand director of policy Mia Garlick in a statement
“We are now rolling the test out in Australia so we can learn more about how this can benefit people’s experiences on Instagram, and whether this change can help people focus less on likes and more on telling their story,” added Garlick. (jes/kes)
