Is Instagram about to get rid of its likes count?

You know that Likes count that appears under each post you do on Instagram? That one that users care way too much about? That one that really, really drags down self esteem around the world?

Well, it just happens to look like you might be saying goodbye to that for good.

As reported by TechCrunch, Instagram is trialling a new version of the app, where users would no longer be able to see how many likes each other’s posts are getting. “We want your followers to focus on what you share, not how many likes your posts get,” is how Instagram are describing this move.

“During this test, only the person who shares a post will see the total number of likes it gets,” meaning users will no longer be able to compare themselves to one another, in a move Instagram believes will reduce competition and improve mental health and wellbeing.

It also makes room for creators to post what feels more authentic, rather than posting content just to try get likes.

In the new version of the app, posts will display any mutual followed accounts which have liked the post, but won’t show the total number of likes. Only the users responsible for the posting will be able to see the number of likes on their own posts.

This idea stems from the fact that many users immediately delete posts if they don’t receive enough likes – c’mon we all know someone. Ideally, if this change goes ahead it would mean a much less self-conscious user base. Hopefully we’ll also be a little less reliant on Instagram to get through each day, and times when Instagram is down won’t be such a struggle.

Instagram have confirmed this concept is an internal prototype that the public aren’t yet meant to see. A spokesperson commented, “We’re not testing this at the moment, but exploring ways to reduce pressure on Instagram is something we’re always thinking about.”

The proposed change supports a growing common belief that Like counts are doing more harm than good. Instagram Stories are a measure which was introduced to counteract that issue. Maybe if Instagram does remove the Likes count function, there’ll be many happier and less self-conscious people around the world.

Read more: An egg has beaten Kylie Jenner for most-liked Instagram photo

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