Have you noticed that Instagram has given users the option of hiding like counts on posts? This change is something Instagram has hinted at for a while. Instead of a one-size-fits-all solution, users can choose what works for them. There is also the option of hiding everyone else’s like counts, so you can view Instagram without seeing likes anywhere! I decided that hiding Instagram like counts was a good idea for me. This article will help explain my decision to do so and what has happened since!
Hiding Like Counts Improves Mental Health
I think most of us can agree that social media can be EXHAUSTING. There’s the constant pressure to be perfect all the time. Comparison was holding me back due to looking at vanity metrics (like and follower counts). I was spending a lot of time engaging on random posts in hopes that they would return the favor. Instead of looking at someone’s content, I was immediately looking at their numbers. This isn’t healthy at all! When I found out that I could hide everyone else’s like counts, I did so immediately to help me overcome the comparison I was feeling on social media.
Hiding Likes Helps with Authentic Engagement
Many bloggers and influencers use what’s called an Engagement Group to boost engagement. I will admit that I have been a member of quite a few pods in the past. When you are first starting out, these groups seem like a good idea. You want your content to be seen by as many people as possible. Now I know that engagement groups are extremely time consuming and not beneficial to your account AT ALL in the long run.
If you think about it, only having other bloggers and influencers engaging on your posts makes the algorithm think that only bloggers and influencers want to see your content. On the contrary, you want potential buyers and people who enjoy reading blogs looking at your content! Having this mindset shift has helped me create friendships with my followers because I have more time to respond to DMs, comments, etc! I love supporting other bloggers and creators, but in an authentic and genuine way instead of forced engagement through pods.
I’ve Had More Paid Opportunities
This point is huge. I have noticed that more companies have reached out with paid opportunities since I hid my like count. My suspicion is because companies can’t go to my page and make a snap judgment about my engagement numbers! Rather, they are looking at the quality of my content and can see if I am responding to comments and answering questions. I am so excited that more paid opportunities are coming my way because it feels good to know that others appreciate your work!
Less Worry about Vanity Metrics = More Creative Time
The biggest push for me to hide my like counts was the idea of creative freedom. No more worry of other people looking at the number of likes I’m getting on a post and making a judgment about me or my content. I still have the ability to see my own insights, but I don’t think everyone else needs to see them. The reason Instagram exists in the first place is to share creative and eye-catching content. With less pressure to get a certain number of likes, I have more time to create content and have fun while doing it!
Final Thoughts on Hiding Like Counts
I know that hiding Instagram like counts is a polarizing idea and not everyone is on board quite yet. I have seen many positive outcomes of hiding like counts on Instagram, which is why I’ve chosen to continue to hide them. At the end of the day, your value is not defined by a number! With the many positive outcomes I’ve noticed since hiding mine, I would encourage all of you to try doing the same and see what you think! Let me know your thoughts in the comments 🙂
Much Love, Ashley Marie
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