The social networking app Instagram has officially announced that it will begin the test of hiding “likes” for users in the United States. The tech giant stated that they want your friends to focus on the photos and videos you share, not how many likes they get. Don’t worry you will still be able to 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.
The head of Instagram Adam Mosseri stated that it’s about young people. The idea is to try and depressurize Instagram, make it less of a competition, and give people more space to focus on connecting with people that they love, things that inspire them. But it’s really focused on young people.
WATCH: Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri announces that the platform will start hiding likes for US audiences starting next week. It's the latest step in Instagram’s quest to become the safest place on the internet. https://t.co/BGkMG57rdk #WIRED25 pic.twitter.com/WNTyAPVhaD
— WIRED (@WIRED) November 9, 2019
With many people in an uproar, many businesses are getting really nervous about the upcoming changes in one of the most popular social networking apps on the market. Businesses and influencers alike realize that the social networking app which holds up to at least 500 million daily users could really impact the way they reach their audiences. Celebrities have had mixed reviews over this news, with many who believe this may be a good thing and some who are ready to boycott the brand. Kim Kardashian approved of the move and argued that it would be a good thing for the public’s mental health.
However, celebrity rapper Nicki Minaj voiced her opinion on an Instagram Live rant on 11-9-19. The rapper stated that Instagram doesn’t want you to make money off of your own business without taking their portion. The celebrity rapper stated that she believes Instagram wants us as consumers and businesses to pay them directly instead of paying influencers. She says the company is doing this to monetize its platform even more.
Do you agree with her? Have you thought about how will this affect you and your business? In this changing market, you will have to think of other ways to reach your audience and promote your product/brand or pay Instagram directly as a sponsored post. Either way, if you are an influencer, you should start thinking of new ways to market yourself and your brand.
Keep in mind that apps such as Instagram change their algorithm daily and they have every right to.
While television advertisements continue to dominate big brand budgets, brands like Instagram know the leverage they have when it comes to brands promoting themselves online each day. Remember when you use other people’s online real-estate they have the right to do what they want without explanation. Remember this when you are planning your business because ultimately no they aren’t wrong.
Instagram is their platform and if they wanted to charge membership for every user on their app they have the right to do that. So as a business owner remember you can’t leverage everything on every social network. Make sure you have your own website that showcases who you are.
As the advertising marketplace continues to expand daily, it’s crucial businesses and influencers learn how they can effectively optimize their own personal platforms.
With things steadily changing each day its always good to network with other individuals who are going through similar situations so you all can put your heads together to solve these issues. TechMae has created a new social network for women to come and unite with one another in one eco-system. Our new social networking app doesn’t do everything that Instagram does, however, it allows the users to connect, share pics, videos with one another in focused groups without the worry of things being hidden. Women of the world, let’s unite on the TechMae app and figuring out how we can master all of these other networks. 🙂