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After teasing “demetrication” since 2019, the ability to hide likes on Instagram is finally rolling out to users. There are two options:

1. Hide likes on posts you publish

2. Hide like counts on posts you see in your feed

“We’ve been working closely with third-party experts to better understand how to empower people, build self-awareness and shape a more positive experience on Instagram.”

— Instagram

The rollout is being framed as a way give users more control and shaping a more positive experience. The feature is reportedly also rolling out on Facebook soon (Facebook is Instagram’s parent company).

One key aspect is that the hiding is largely optional, giving users the ability to opt-in to the change for the most part.

Why it matters

Likes have been a crucial part of social media’s experience—and how businesses measure success on the platform—since the very beginning. So it might not be surprising that the companies have been slow to finally roll out such a huge change.

Now that it’s hear, the change is largely being greeted with open arms. It was hailed as a way to set yourself free and a way to avoid over-comparing yourself to others.

Interested in how to adjust your social media strategy to this new normal? Back when this change was first being tested, our CEO, Matthew Dooley, wrote up 3 reasons the “Like Ban” would be great for brands, such as encouraging a move away from vanity metrics. Check it out!

Related Social Media News

Check out all the latest updates you need to know about below. You cal also view all recent posts.

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Here are a few more shareworthy items we’ve been reading this month…

Channel Updates & News:

• Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg hosts first test of Live Audio Rooms in US (TechCrunch)

• Twitter Will Now Let Spaces Hosts Download an Audio File of Their Space (Social Media Today)

• Facebook Tests Public Comments Display on Facebook Stories (Social Media Today)

• Podcasts start coming to Facebook next week (The Verge)

• Twitter Moves Closer to Launching Emoji-Style Reactions on Tweets (Social Media Today)

• #CreateKindness anti-bullying campaign on TikTok (TikTok newsroom)

• Twitter brings Revue newsletter subscriptions right into user profiles (Mashable)

• Sponsored Chat Themes on Messenger (FB Messenger news)

• Facebook Delays Taking a Cut on Paid Events and Fan Subscriptions till 2023 (Social Media Today)

• Instagram launches a new section for shopping product drops (TechCrunch)

• Twitter launching local weather service for $10 per month (Fortune)

• Meet the New Clubhouse App Icon (Clubhouse blog)

Stories & Analysis

• Are We Entering a New Phase for Social Media Regulation? (Social Media Today)

• FB Topics to Watch for Q1 2021 (Facebook News)

• Facebook plans first smartwatch for next summer with two cameras, heart rate monitor (The Verge)

• The future of AR/VR (Facebook PDF report)

Looking for More Social Media Help?

The expert team at Dooley Social Studio helps brands get attention by being thoughtful about how they give it. Our goal is to make every social interaction with your company a remarkable one. Get in touch to find out how a partnership with Dooley Social Studio can grow your brand.

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