They’re definitely liking it! Australia’s influencers can breathe a sigh of relief after Instagram brings back ‘likes’ – but there’s one big catch
Australian influencers rejoice.
After chaos broke out on Thursday over Instagram’s trialled removal of the ‘likes’ counter, a workaround has been discovered – albeit with a catch.
On Friday, multiple influencers confirmed they can now see the amount of ‘likes’ their own posts get. The number remains hidden from their followers, however.
Celebrating: Australia’s influencers will undoubtedly be happy to know that there’s still a way for people to see the amount of ‘likes’ they garner on their posts. Pictured, Shelby Bilby
It also turns out fans are still able to see the ‘likes’ counter on desktop sites, with the trial exclusive to the mobile app.
Instagram’s decision on Thursday left many influencers worried their sponsorship deals and endorsements would dry up.
The fear was that losing the ability to measure audience engagement would prevent talent from being able to negotiate deals based on how many likes they can deliver.
Anarchy: Chaos broke out on Thursday after it was announced Instagram would be trialling hiding the ‘like’ count on people’s posts. Pictured, Tammy Hembrow
Not completely hidden: There’s still a way for other people to see the number of ‘likes’, with Instagram only hiding the numbers on the mobile app. Pictured, Tayla Damir (right)
While it’s unknown what the future holds for ‘likes’, Friday’s apparent backtrack from Instagram will be a sigh of relief for those who use the platform to earn revenue.
Widespread panic on Thursday resulted in Instagram stars speaking out against the platform.
Loophole: If Instagram users log into the photo app via their computer, they are still about to get the numbers for the people they follow. Pictured, Tori Levitt
Tammy Hembrow, who boasts almost 10 million followers, expressed her concerns about the move back in June, when it was first announced.
‘What happens when Instagram gets rid of the “likes”?’ asked a photographer as she left a nightclub in Los Angeles.
‘Then we’ll delete Instagram from my life!’ Tammy replied, before climbing into a taxi and saying: ‘F*** Instagram!’
Concern: The new changes left many influencers worried their sponsorship deals and endorsements would dry up. Pictured, Elizabeth Sobinoff