Instagram to Test Hiding Likes, Starting This Week in Canada First [u]

Facebook has kicked off its annual F8 developer conference and a bevy of news is coming out of the social network, with one major change affecting its users on Instagram, especially those in Canada.

The company has announced it will begin testing a new feature in Canada this week, set to hide the public like counts on user videos and images.

According to The Verge:

The test will only be in Canada, and likes will be hidden in the Feed, permalinked pages, and on profiles. Instagram says it wants followers to “focus on the photos and videos you share, not how many likes they get.” Only the person who owns the account will be able to see how many likes their content received.

So while public viewers won’t get to see your likes, account owners will still see them. By eliminating likes on Instagram, you don’t need to worry about not having enough “likes” (you shouldn’t in the first place, go live real life for a change) on your lunch photo.



It should also stop people from posting images and videos baiting you for likes and such and could increase the quality of media shared.

The feature was previously spotted earlier this month by Jane Wong and Facebook said at the time they weren’t testing the feature, but now we know it’s real and coming soon to Canada.

Update: Here are some other new features coming to Instagram, according to the company, which includes a new and improved camera design:

The Ability to Shop from Creators
Starting next week, you can shop inspiring looks from the creators you love without leaving Instagram. Instead of taking a screenshot or asking for product details in comments or Direct, you can simply tap to see exactly what your favorite creators are wearing and buy it on the spot. Anyone in our global community will be able to shop from creators. We’ll begin testing this with a small group of creators next week, with plans to expand access over time. For more information on shopping from creators, click here

A Way to Fundraise for Causes
Starting today, you can raise money for a nonprofit you care about directly on Instagram. Through a donation sticker in Stories, you can create a fundraiser and mobilize your community around a cause you care about — with 100% of the money raised on Instagram going to the nonprofit you’re supporting. This will be available in the US now and we’re working to bring it to more countries. To learn more, check out the Instagram Help Center here.

A New and Improved Camera
In the coming weeks, we’re introducing a new camera design including Create Mode, which gives you an easy way to share without a photo or video. This new camera will make it easier to use popular creative tools like effects and interactive stickers, so you can express yourself more freely.