Time For Instagram To Shine Is Nigh With End Of “Likes”

Facebook-owned platform Instagram has started rolling out the end of “LIKES” globally in a move that is likely to have an impact on the platform.

With the move, Instagram users will not be able to see “Likes” and reactions on their posts, a reason why most people are on the platform.

80 percent of people are on Instagram to express themselves through the posting of pictures, with a “like” being the most prestigious thing on the platform.

Those on Instagram count success for their posts in terms of like and reach and the removal is likely to hit hard on them.

What are the likely implications of Instagram doing away with “Likes”?

First, there is no doubt that Instagram business is going to be disrupted. Most advertisers are on Instagram because of the “likes”. It is only through “likes” that they know that people have at least seen them or interested in the product or service. Instagram is likely to see advertisers taking off.

Second, other platforms are likely to see an upsurge of new entrants who will be taking off from Instagram. 80 percent of people are on Instagram for “likes”. This means they will have no business staying on the platform.

Thirdly, influencers are likely to miss clients who will going to them for the amplification of their products and services. What will the influencer have to show as return on investment for their clients?

There are about 3 million Instagram users in Kenya. (The number is just estimated and it is not yet clear how many Instagramers are really in Kenya.)

Instagram is the only social media tool that has been allowing users to post their pictures for other users to see and complement them.

There are about 20 million Facebook users, 22 million WhatsApp users, 2 million Instagram users and about 4 million Twitter users. “The numbers are just estimates.”

READ ALSO: Instagram Will Hide ‘Likes’ for Users to Prevent Unhealthy Competition