Facebook and Instagram will now allow users to hide ‘Like’ counts on posts
Byline By – Balkrishna
Facebook and Instagram users can now prevent others from seeing how many likes they receive on posts.
Originally, the idea to hide Like counts on Facebook’s social networks was focused on depressurizing the experience for users. Often, users faced anxiety and embarrassment around their posts if they didn’t receive enough Likes to be considered “popular.” This problem was particularly difficult for younger users who highly value what peers think of them — so much so that they would take down posts that didn’t receive enough Likes.
As of today, users will have the option to hide like counts on their own posts, as well as hide like counts on posts they see from other people in their feed.
Originally, the idea to hide Like counts on Facebook’s social networks was focused on depressurizing the experience for users. Often, users faced anxiety and embarrassment around their posts if they didn’t receive enough Likes to be considered “popular.” This problem was particularly difficult for younger users who highly value what peers think of them — so much so that they would take down posts that didn’t receive enough Likes.
Here’s how users can hide like counts on their own content and content from others .
Hiding Like Counts on Instagram and Facebook
How to Hide Your Own Like Counts
Users have two options when it comes to hiding their own like counts. They can either choose to hide likes on new content during the publishing process, or they can hide likes on all content published by their account.
To hide like counts on all posts go to Settings > Advanced Settings > Hide Like and View Counts.
Users can hide like counts on individual pieces of content from the post composer screen. Like counts can also be hidden after publishing by tapping on the amount of likes and selecting “Hide Like Count.”
The decision to hide like counts from all or some posts is not permanent. Users can choose to reinstate likes if they prefer.
It’s important to note here that users will always have access to their own like and view counts even when they’re hidden from other people.
These options are currently available on Instagram and will be rolled out to Facebook in the coming weeks.
How to Hide Like Counts On Others’ Posts
Users can hide likes on posts they see from other people via a new section in the settings panel.
Select this option by going to Settings > Posts > Hide Like and View Counts.
This option can be turned on and off at any time, but there doesn’t appear to be a way to show like counts on a per post basis.