Social Media Platform Allows Users to Hide the Likes count for Posts

Social Media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are giving all users the option to hide public likes on their posts, potentially upending a core dynamic of the Social Media platforms where like counts are seen as a sign of a person’s influence.The Social Media giant has since 2019 been testing the ability for users to hide like counts, a feature synonymous with Facebook, as a way to make Facebook and Instagram less stressful to use.

Facebook said that every user can now choose whether people can see the number of likes on his or her post and also whether to see how many people liked other users’ posts. This platform consists of the well-being of users and society. This feature of hiding likes on Facebook and Instagram will be optional rather than by default, making it unclear how many users will take this step.

Facebook also said that this feature of hiding likes is beneficial for some and annoying for others. Few people see the like counts and find out what is trending and popular. If the user plans to hide the like count on their post, viewers can still see who liked the post but not the number. The person who posted can still see the number even if it is not publically displayed.

The Social Media platform said the feature will let users focus on the photos and videos being shared, instead of how many likes posts get. Facebook and Instagram users can also choose not to see how many people liked others’ posts as they’re scrolling through their feed, a feature that can be turned on by visiting the new posts section in settings. Social Media influencers who have built businesses on the app, demonstrating their own like counts and comparing them with those of other users’ posts can be important for securing lucrative brand partnerships.