The beloved social media company that is Instagram could be set to take a step towards a healthier platform by removing the like-counter in their upcoming update.
Specifically, the Facebook-owned giant has interestingly been testing a version of the app that appears to have removed the function, however, not completely. In fact, the uploader of the image has been able to see the number of likes but that information has then been hidden from other users.
As well as this, the possible update has also included test versions of chat thread stickers for DMs, AR filters for video calls, simultaneous co-watching of recommended videos via DMs, lyrics on screen for the Stories soundtracks, emoji reactions on feed posts and a shopping bag icon for e-commerce.
Having said all this, the test is only running internally. However, a spokesperson for Instagram has stated that: “exploring ways to reduce pressure on Instagram is something we’re always thinking about.” This was before they then addressed the possible update to the like-counter, saying that Instagram wants “your followers to focus on what you share, not how many likes your posts get.”
I guess we will have to wait and see if this is something that is run out across the platform’s entirety.
