Are Instagram removing likes?

What is Instagram?

Instagram is one of the most popular social media sharing sites in the world, with a platform which allows you to upload, edit and publish your pictures on the site to create a feed. Users of the site use their feeds to create all manner of different themes from sharing pictures of pets to using it as a portfolio to show off your make up skills!

According to Mashable in 2018 Instagram was the 2nd most popular downloaded app via Apple. The app has grown from strength to strength since it launched back in 2010 and the impact it has had on social media platforms and the online world is immense.

Instagram and brands:

Brands often now use influencers and their own Instagram profiles to create ADs and reach new audiences.

Influencer ADs are more personal and act as an endorsement of the brand from someone that is trusted and respected on Instagram, which makes their audience more likely to relate to the content and ultimately make a purchase.

Brands tend to judge an influencer on their following, likes and engagement rate, this allows them to make a fair judgement as to whether or not that influencers account will produce a return on investment.

So why are Instagram likes important and will removing them do more damage than good?

Why remove the likes?

Instagram claims the reason they are considering removing these likes is due to the peer pressure put on users of the site, with more young people suffering from mental health issues than ever before. The idea being that removing these likes may be a lifeline for those who are struggling because of them.

The stats will be shown to the account owner, however, will not be shown to anyone else. There is a current concern for self-esteem issues which stem from the site according to the BBC.

The idea is that removing likes will get users to focus more on their own journey and creating content they’re proud of instead of becoming pre-occupied with how many more like other accounts have and thus feeling overwhelming pressure to, ‘be more like them.’

Removing likes from Instagram Feeds is currently being tested in Australia, Japan, Canada and more. The Verge advises that users actually prefer the likes not showing as it is refreshing.

So, what about the influencers?

There are a large number of influencers who are concerned about where this will leave their career and income stream, but according to Instagram the data is still available as are the other analytics but the likes are just not on show.

You will be able to provide these to a brand as you would be able to do with regards to any stats. Although having the visual likes is useful to brands who are shortlisting influencers there are still other metrics that can be used.

When are Instagram removing likes?

It is not yet confirmed whether or not Instagram are getting rid of likes from their platform, further information with regards to these trials is yet to be provided. In terms of the removal of likes, Instagram has been pretty quiet; leaving its users wondering what will happen next. It appears that for those countries who aren’t part of the trial, likes are still here… for now anyway.

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