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As of right now, Australian Instagram users will not be able to see how many likes other posts, outside their own, have received. The social media platform is implementing a like-free trial, the second of its kind after rolling out a first test in Canada in May.
“We want Instagram to be a place where people feel comfortable expressing themselves. We hope this test will remove the pressure of how many likes a post will receive, so you can focus on sharing the things you love,” said Mia Garlick, ANZ director of policy at Facebook, which owns Instagram.
“We are now rolling the test out to 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.”
Users will be able to see how many likes their own posts have received by tapping on the list of likers, but this number will not be visible to other people. This means businesses and influencers will still be able to grab data as per usual. At first glance, it would appear the less established influencers might be let down by the change because brands won’t be able to instantly see an account’s engagement levels. But fret not, the number of like is still available when you log in from a desktop.
Contrary to popular belief – and widespread panic in the GRAZIA office this morning – the changes haven’t had a huge effect on those who like to be in-the-know about who is liking who’s posts. While the amount of likes a post (that isn’t your own) receives is now not visible, users can still click on other people’s “liker lists” for a full comprehensive list. But the catch? If one of your followers hasn’t already liked someone’s post, there will be no liker list to click on. (So you’ll have to get one of your friends to like that account before you can view the liker list or view on a desktop).
The trial will be rolled out across New Zealand, Japan, Ireland, Italy and Brazil. Note: Any followers not in these countries will be able to still see the number of likes on posts of people living in the trial countries. Yes, America is still watching.
