Instagram removes viewable likes in controversial trial

Apple App Store is bombarded with bad reviews of the Instagram app after Instagram removed the likes option on posts in a controversial trial this week.

Yesterday when logging into my business Instagram account and the ones I manage for other businesses, I received a notification from Instagram on the screen (see below) that said "Testing a change to how you see Likes".  The description went onto say that "We want followers to focus on what you share, not how many likes your posts get.  During this test only you will be able to see the total number of likes on your posts".

This new trial has been something that we have been hearing about for a while and there had been rumours of permanent change, but until you see and try it for yourself, you really have no idea the impact it has.  At first, I thought it would be okay, but after using it for less than 24 hours - I really dislike the trial and removal of view able likes to the public.  Yes you can still see your own likes by clicking on the likes section and it brings up a list of how many and who liked your post... but honestly what is the point of even having the double tap like feature if viewers can't see others reactions on posts?

Almost instantly the Instagram reviews on the apple app store have blown out with negative reviews and comments on the new trial, with many people believing it is a new update and not realizing it is onlhy a trial.  It is good to see that people are leaving their feedback so Instagram can get an accurate response to this bizarre trial.  

I have been a user of Instagram since 2012 and have loved the platform and while I am not "likes focused" on my own profiles, I have found that its a good way to generate feedback on what my followers enjoy seeing and what they don't, and use this as a helpful way to plan posts for my and my clients accounts.  It certainly is a challenging  time being a social media account manager, to try and explain this trial to my clients, as when they glance at their posts it looks like only one person has liked the content!  

No one is sure how long the trial will go for - but it will be interesting to see what Instagram decides!  I would love to hear your thoughts.  Do you feel that you are effected by the loss of view-able likes on your posts, making everyone's content look the same, or do you like the new trial where likes are not important?

Feel free to post your links to your Instagram accounts below so I can like and follow your content and if you want to follow me you can do so at @bluebirdim

If you need a hand managing your account or with content creation, we can help with that also! Just send us a message.

x 
Judi
Blue Bird Internet Marketing