How to turn off likes on Instagram Reels

Instagram and Facebook users will now be able to hide their like counts from both new and previously posted photos and videos.

Both super-popular platforms have been running tests for a while now to quantify how visible popularity impacts usage and the results seem to have had a positive outcome.

“We tested hiding like counts to see if it might depressurize people’s experience on Instagram,” Instagram said in a press note. “What we heard from people and experts was that not seeing like counts was beneficial for some, and annoying to others, particularly because people use like counts to get a sense for what’s trending or popular, so we’re giving you the choice.”

“What one person wants from their Instagram experience is different from the next, and people’s needs are changing,” Instagram said today. “We’ve been working closely with third-party experts to better understand how to empower people, build self-awareness and shape a more positive experience on Instagram.”

You can also hide the number of likes you see on other people’s posts.

Or you can keep things as they are – whatever works for you. pic.twitter.com/pxxTTgvd2w

— Instagram (@instagram) May 26, 2021

Instagram has also collaborated with the Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC) in India to begin what's the fifth edition of the ‘Counter Speech Fellowship’ - a program that engages young adults and teens to use the power of visual storytelling to start meaningful conversations on pressing issues that are relevant to youth globally. This includes the themes of bullying, diversity, mental wellbeing and gender equality.

SEE ALSO: Instagram Could Soon Let Creators Earn Money Through Reels: Here's What We Know

How to hide likes and video counts for a post?

Well, for new posts, you can from the advanced settings,

Step 1: Once you’ve selected and edited your photo or video that you wish to post, head over to the 'Advanced Settings' section.
Step 2: Choose the “Hide Like and Video Counts on This Post” option and you're good to go. Now, once the photo or video you've posted goes live it will no longer any show public metrics for that media.

For existing photos and videos you’ve already shared, meanwhile, you can retroactively hide their metrics too.
Step 1: Open the photo/ video that you've already posted.
Step 2: Pick the “…” option from the top right corner of the post
Step 3: You'll notice a new “Hide Like Count” option there. Select that and you're set.

Now, it is also possible to hide like counts for all posts on your timeline. For that:
Step 1: Head into the Settings.
Step 2: Head to Privacy > Posts.
Step 3: You'll notice a new setting, “Hide Like and View Counts”. Selecting the toggle next to that will turn off visibility for all users you follow in your timeline. That said, do note that other people may still choose to see those counts.

It’s also worth a mention that these changes won't have a bearing on Reels or any other sections within Instagram or Facebook. They’ll still show like and view counts as they did earlier.

SEE ALSO: WhatsApp Is Taking The Indian Govt. To Court In Defiance Of the New IT Rules

Instagram gives its users a greater level of control over how their media is handled on the platform. You may have noticed that you cant view the number of likes on certain Instagram posts and Reels. If you wanted to try out this feature but couldn’t find it anywhere, it’s because Instagram has not made it available on its app. You need to log in using a web browser to hide the like count. In this article, we show you three ways to hide the likes count on Instagram Reels and turn off the comments.

Read Also: What do the Snapchat emojis mean? (2022)

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Table of Contents

• Turn off the likes count on Reels using a web browser
• Turn off the likes count on Reels using your smartphone
• Turn off comments using the Instagram app
• Frequently Asked Questions
  • Can I turn off the likes counter on Instagram Reels using the app?
  • Can I turn off commenting on my posts on Instagram?
  • How can I keep someone from commenting on my Instagram posts?

Turn off the likes count on Reels using a web browser

Instagram does not allow users to turn off the likes count on Reels from the app. Instead, users need to log in to Instagram using a web browser to turn off the likes counter on their posts. Here’s how you can do that.

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Step 1: Log in to Instagram using the web browser on your PC. 

Step 2: Click on your profile at the top right corner of the screen.

Step 3: Select the Reel you’ve uploaded.

Step 4: Click on the ellipses (three dots) at the top right corner of the post and select ‘Hide like count’.

Step 5: Select ‘Turn off commenting’ to restrict comments on your post.

Turn off the likes count on Reels using your smartphone

Step 1: Open the web browser on your smartphone.

Step 2: Log into Instagram and request the desktop site from the Chrome menu. 

Step 3: Follow the steps mentioned above to hide the like count.

Turn off comments using the Instagram app

Step 1: Open the Instagram app and go to your profile. 

Step 2: Select the Reel and tap on the ellipses at the top right corner of the screen.

Step 3: Select ‘Turn off commenting’.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I turn off the likes counter on Instagram Reels using the app?

No, you cannot turn off the likes counter using the Instagram app. You need to log in to Instagram using a web browser on your smartphone or PC to turn off the likes counter.

Can I turn off commenting on my posts on Instagram?

Yes, Instagram allows you to restrict comments on your posts. Simply select the post and tap on ‘Turn off commenting’ from the options. 

How can I keep someone from commenting on my Instagram posts?

While you can’t keep someone from commenting on your posts without blocking them, you can restrict their profile. Restricting someone on Instagram makes their comments on your posts invisible to everyone else.

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Can you turn off likes on reels?

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