It’s happening…
Instagram users within the UAE have confirmed they are now witnessing the hiding of likes within their feeds.
Back in May Instagram announced it was rolling out a test and hiding like count from followers in certain test markets around the world.
It was first trialed in Canada, before being rolled out to other test markets like Japan and Australia – and now the test has finally arrived in the UAE, a week after it was rolled out in the United States.
Starting today, we’re expanding our test of private like counts globally. If you’re in the test, you’ll no longer see the total number of likes and views on photos and videos posted to Feed unless they’re your own. pic.twitter.com/DztSH0xiq2
— Instagram (@instagram) November 14, 2019
While users are still be able to see how many likes their content racks up on the photo- and video-sharing platform, the number will be hidden from their audience.
ITP Live’s sources located in the UAE have confirmed some users located can no longer see like count within their feed, meaning the test has officially started rolling out within the region.
According to Instagram, this test of private like counts has now been expanded across the world.
“If you’re in the test, you’ll no longer see the total number of likes and views on photos and videos posted to Feed unless they’re your own,” Head of Instagram Public Policy (EMEA) Tara Hopkins said.
“While the feedback from early testing has been positive, this is a fundamental change to Instagram, and so we’re continuing our test to learn more from our global community.”
According to Esquire Middle East “. . . while like and view counts are important to brands and creators who use Instagram to make money, Instagram has been under fire of late with regards to fake traffic and bullying. However, Instagram has said that it is ‘actively thinking through ways for creators to communicate value to their partners.’”
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