Instagram to test hiding likes on photos in Ireland from today

A big step.

Instagram has announced it is running a test in Ireland that removes the total number of likes photos and video views in Feed, Permalink pages, and Profile. The platform announced the news on Wednesday, stating it wants users to concentrate on the photos and videos shared, rather than the amount of likes and views these posts gather. People can still see their own likes by tapping on their likes list, but others will not be able to see how many likes a post has received. Instagram users will not be able to see how many likes others' posts have received. When announcing plans for the change at the F8 conference earlier this year, Mark Zuckerberg explained: “You can see who liked a photo or video, you can tap through to see [the list], and if you have the time you can add them all up yourself.” The test initially began in Canada but has been extended to Ireland as the company explores the effects of the trial on different audiences. “We want Instagram to be a place where people feel comfortable expressing themselves," Tara Hopkins, Head of Public Policy, EMEA, at Instagram said. "This includes helping people to focus on the photos and videos they share, not how many likes they get. We are now rolling the test out to more countries so we learn more from our global community and see how this can benefit people's experiences on Instagram."