One Huge Instagram Update Being Trialed That Could Change Social Media Forever

Instagram trialing making one of the biggest updates ever on social media. Currently its a massive ‘test’ update that is being tested in Australia and a few other countries.

It’s testing removing showing the number of likes on posts. There will be no likes.

While its just a test, this is a seismic change if it actually happens. Why? Because social media marketers like myself use a concept called ‘social proof’ to sell stuff. When people see engagement it sends a phycological trigger that something must be worth at least considering.

Another reason is that Facebook owns Instagram and if it is successful on this platform, would they make a similar move on Facebook?

Yep. Boom!

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 pic.twitter.com/2OdzpIUBka

— Instagram (@instagram) July 17, 2019

In reality, Instagram isn’t planning on reducing the algorithm impact of a like or engagement. It’s just testing taking away the visual aspect of the likes for some very important reasons.

According to the BBC “Instagram is hiding the number of likes on posts in several countries, including Australia and Japan, in order to “remove pressure” on users.”

Users will still see a running total of people who have liked a post. In the trial, users will see a user name “and others” below posts.

Instagrammers can still view the number of likes their own posts receive.

There is concern social media platforms can contribute to low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy in young people. 

While this is a trial, Instagram did make some more big updates a few months ago. Read ‘6 Huge Instagram Updates Your Church Should Use’.

What Do You Think?

Do you think this will have a big impact on Instagram or not? Is it here to stay? Comment below.