Instagram lets users switch Like counts on or off in latest test designed to ‘improve mental health’

INSTAGRAM is about to test hiding Like counts in an attempt to improve user experiences on the platform.

Users will have the option to hide their own amount of ‘Likes’ on each post or choose not to see how many likes other people got.

Alamy

Instagram is about to start testing hiding Likes[/caption]

The photo sharing app has already experimented with hiding Likes in the past.

Some countries, like Australia, got used to not seeing how many Likes other people got.

However, the new test will be different because users will be in control rather than having a blanket ban on Like viewing.

Facebook will also be testing a similar experience.

Getty

Likes can have a negative impact on mental health[/caption]

A Facebook company spokesperson said: “We’re testing this on Instagram to start, but we’re also exploring a similar experience for Facebook.

“We will learn from this new small test and have more to share soon.”

It hasn’t said who will be involved in the test or how long it will go on for.

A small number of users will be asked if they want to opt in to the test.

Instagram is aiming to test the feature globally so everyone should keep an eye on their account notifications.

The aim is to make users feel more comfortable when posting and protect the mental health of those who feel pressure to get more Likes.

Instagram – the key facts

Here’s what you need to know…

• Instagram is a social network for sharing photos and videos
• It was created back in October 2010 as an iPhone-exclusive app
• A separate version for Android devices was released 18 months later
• The app rose to popularity thanks to its filters system, which lets you quickly edit your photos with cool effects
• When it first launched, users could only post square 1:1 ratio images, but that rule was changed in 2015
• In 2012, Facebook bought Instagram for $1billion in cash and stock
• In 2018, some analysts believe the app is worth closer to $100billion
• In October 2015, Instagram confirmed that more than 40billion photos had been uploaded to the app
• And in 2018, Instagram revealed that more than a billion people were using the app every month

In other news, Facebook is trialling a video call speed dating app called Sparked.

Google is bringing out a feature to help Android users avoid collisions when texting and walking.

And, TikTok has finally created an automatic captions feature.

What are your thoughts on Instagram likes? Let us know in the comments…

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at tech@the-sun.co.uk