Hold up… Instagram is removing likes from images?! WHAT? Well – there goes my whole business…
PSYCH!
We’re gonna be talking about Instagram removing likes, what it means for social media managers and influencers. We’re also going to talk about the TRUTH behind likes, what this changes in how we handle Instagram, and what to focus on with Instagram marketing moving forward.
I want to shout out Nick Russell and Ghada Vanderpool for sharing examples of what Instagram looks like with NO visible likes on their Instagram posts.
Instagram removing likes :
Instagram announced on Twitter on July 18th, 2019 that they were “running a test that hides the total number of likes and video views for some people in the following countries”:
- Australia
- Brazil
- Canada
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- New Zealand
Now I want to know in the comments – are you located in one of these countries? Or where are you located? Have you seen the likes disappear from the Instagram posts in your feed?
By the way, I have a sick freebie for you… 7 of my favorite social media strategies. You can grab that HERE
So Instagram is removing likes…
They continued to talk about this decision to hide likes on Instagram posts on Twitter of all places.
BTW – I get a little extra petty on Twitter – feel free to follow the fun and petty tweets – www.twitter.com/themrspedersen
Instagram went on to say “We want your friends to focus on the photos and videos you share, not how many likes they get. You can still see your own likes by tapping on the list of people who’ve liked it, but your friends will not be able to see how many likes your post has received.”
Instagram also shared “We’re looking forward to learning more about how this change might benefit everyone’s experience on Instagram.”
Let’s talk about the dirty truth behind the likes game… I don’t play this game. For so many reasons.
Truth #1: Superlikes
What most influencers don’t want you to know is how easy it is to fake likes.
Super likes are a way to grow the perception of social proof.
Basically you can PAY for a bunch of likes – usually several hundred to thousands. The “quality” of the super likes ranges from bots to “real people” (which I actually don’t believe) – and doesn’t happen on any post you don’t PAY to have superlikes on.
Does that change the way that you see likes?
I get so much hate for not having tons of likes on Instagram…
But until those “influencers”/marketers show that there is more to their strategy (including revenue, reach, link clicks, actual influencer, and a following who is impacted by their posts) – I don’t consider their words in my marketing strategy.
As my buddy Russell Brunson says “piles of cash” – baby.
When your pile of cash, is bigger than mine, maybe I’ll listen. Maybe.
Basically, if you don’t have results that I want, your advice to “learn to get likes, Rachel” doesn’t hold much weight.
So what does Instagram removing likes mean for social media managers?
Two words.
Truth #2: Job. Security.
Every single time an algorithm changes, there’s an update, a new platform, or any small thing changes in the world of social media – it’s evolution and job security – if you’ll see it that way.
Social media managers, marketers, and influencers have an opportunity to evolve, stay ahead – this is the GREATEST time of our lives… And people are whining about change?
Change highlights the greats and leaves wannabes in the dust.
So what does this change to Instagram mean for us? What should we be focusing on to grow our business – and specifically how to grow our following on Instagram?
Reach.
Impressions.
Comments.
Click-throughs.
Results.
Revenue.
And the one thing above all… If you are an influencer…
Truth #3: Influence.
I gotta go make dinner for the kids – so if you want to see more videos about this or other social media topics, comment below and let me know what you’d like to learn more about!
PS. I just added a post that explains how to get a blue check on instagram to help you get verified!