Instagram Will Test Removal Of "Likes" In The U.S. Beginning Next Week

BY Erika Marie 4.0K Views
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Some influencers are shaking in their boots.

It was announced earlier this year that Instagram had plans on restructuring their format, specifically pertaining to their inclusion of "likes." The image-sharing platform recently freed itself of the "Following Activity" tab, and throughout the year, it's been beta testing giving "likes" the ax, as well. According to a new report by Wired, CEO Adam Mosseri announced on Friday at WIRED25 that users in the United States can see "likes" disappearing as early as next week.

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With the new move, an Instagram user will be able to see how many "likes" their photos or videos receive, however, the public will not. Mosseri shared that the disappearing act of "likes" won't hit every region of the United States al at once, but the slow rollout is inevitable. This has been a cause for concern for Instagram influencers who make their livings by not only the number of followers they have but by the interaction they receive with how many people like their posts. Yet, they need not worry too much because there are plenty of other factors that can be measured to insure their influencer status isn't at risk.

Check out the clip of Mosseri at WIRED25 below and let us know if you're bothered by Instagram's latest removal.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.