Instagram is hiding likes in the United States now.  Mine are already gone, are yours? 

On November 8, 2019 Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri announced that Instagram is rolling out a trial that hides likes for U.S. users.  However, you will still be able to see how many likes a post gets inside the analytics — it's only other people that won't be able to see the likes on your post.

Some people credit Kanye West for starting the conversation that sparked Instagram to make changes.... but I don't think that is true. 

Every parent I know has agonized over letting their child use Instagram because we worry that our kids will be sad, or feel bullied or meet a 42-year-old man posing as a 13-year-old boy who likes all of our daughter's Instagram posts and then lures her to Starbucks promising to give her a new Bath and Body Works Vanilla Bourbon scented candle and a Venti pink drink with light ice and kidnaps her and we never see her again!! #truth

Maybe Kanye had the loudest voice when he tweeted, in 2018.

I say hooray Instagram! As a mom of teenagers with Instagram profiles I am so happy for the removal of that unwanted stress.

But do you really think this is why Instagram hid your likes? 

I DON'T

I just think the protected self value of the United States teenagers is a BIG BONUS!

Remember Instagram is a BUSINESS, driven by profit.  This move was most certainly made so Instagram could recoup the millions of dollars that are flowing straight into influencers pockets, instead of their own. The idea is instead of paying influencers for an extended reach to potential patients or clients, users will pay Instagram directly for advertisements inside the app.

But would you believe there is more GOOD NEWS... more than our clhidlren's souls being saved! LOL

The hidden likes will be GREAT for your Instagram marketing campaign.

Everybody wins here.  Well not everybody... those money grubby influencers that were taking money but not generating profits for anyone but themselves.. they're toast!. 

Don't worry about any of your FAVORITE influencers.  The  legit, morally sound business men and women who make money influencing Instagram users will be fine with this change too when they figure out a way to show potential clients how many followers they bring to their business and demonstrate the conversions they make to sales.  I am not concerned (Maria Tettamanti, you've got this!).  

On this week's YouTube video I am discussing all the facts of Instagram hiding likes AND the 5 things you need to know to capitalize on this change for your Instagram business account.