Will Instagram ever bring likes back?

Answered by Michael Wilson

As an AI language model, I don’t have personal experiences or opinions, but I can provide you with information based on current knowledge.

Regarding the question of whether Instagram will bring back likes, the answer is yes. Instagram has announced that after almost two years of testing hidden like counts in Australia, they will be reintroducing the feature. This means that users will have the option to hide likes on their own posts and also choose whether they want to see the like counts in their feed.

The decision to hide likes on Instagram posts was initially made in response to concerns about the negative impact of social media on mental health. By removing the visibility of like counts, Instagram aims to reduce the pressure and anxiety associated with seeking validation through the number of likes received on a post.

During the trial period in Australia, Instagram gathered feedback from users and conducted studies to assess the impact of hidden likes. The results indicated that hiding like counts had a positive effect on users’ well-being, with people feeling less pressure and comparing themselves less to others.

However, it’s important to note that while users can choose to hide likes on their own posts, they can’t control whether others see the likes on their content. This means that even if you choose to hide likes on your posts, others may still be able to see the like counts if they haven’t made that same preference.

The reintroduction of hidden like counts on Instagram reflects the platform’s ongoing efforts to create a healthier and more positive environment for users. By giving individuals the option to control the visibility of likes, Instagram aims to empower users to focus more on sharing meaningful content and connecting with others rather than seeking validation through likes.

Instagram has decided to bring back likes after testing the feature in Australia. Users now have the option to hide likes on their own posts and choose whether they want to see like counts in their feed. This move is part of Instagram’s commitment to promoting a healthier and more positive online experience.