You can now hide Facebook and Instagram likes

Illustration showing Instagram and Facebook screens with hidden like icons and group expert badge symbolizing privacy and community growth.

There is no doubt that Facebook’s recent updates will benefit groups in the long run. Today, Facebook Groups play an important role in building online communities. However, building a real and active community is not easy. Many people create groups but abandon them after a few weeks or months when they see no progress.

To grow a successful group, you must stay consistent, encourage interaction, and make members feel valued.

How to Hide Likes on Instagram and Facebook

Facebook and Instagram now allow users to choose whether they want to see like counts on posts. The company introduced this feature to give users more control over their social media experience.

Earlier, Instagram tested hiding likes worldwide to reduce anxiety and social pressure. Some users found it helpful because it reduced comparison. Others found it frustrating because they use like counts to measure trends and engagement.

The company explained that hiding like counts may improve the experience for some users, but not everyone feels the same way. That is why both platforms now allow users to decide for themselves.

How to Hide Likes on Your Own Posts

You can hide like counts before or after publishing a post.

To hide likes on an individual post:

  1. Click the three dots in the top-right corner of the post.

  2. Select “Hide Like Count.”

You can turn this setting on or off anytime.

How to Hide Likes in Your Instagram Feed

If you want to hide like counts on other people’s posts:

  1. Go to Settings

  2. Select Posts

  3. Turn on “Hide Like and View Counts.”

Facebook is also introducing similar options for its users.

Why Did Instagram Hide Likes?

Instagram introduced this feature to reduce social pressure. Many studies show that social media can affect mental health, especially among young users.

A 2017 study by the UK’s Royal Society for Public Health reported that Instagram had a negative impact on young people’s mental health. Critics believe that hiding likes helps reduce comparison and anxiety. Others argue that the change protects the company from criticism.

Regardless of the reason, users now have more control over their experience.

Illustration of people engaging in a Facebook group with expert badge, chat icons, and community interaction symbols.

Building Strong Facebook Groups

Members stay active when they feel valued and appreciated. When people feel important, they participate more and build stronger relationships.

To grow a successful group:

  • Welcome new members properly

  • Ask engaging questions

  • Encourage discussions

  • Share useful and accurate information

You should also collect basic contact details if the group supports your business. At the same time, learn about members’ goals and interests. When you understand your audience, you can create better content and meet their needs.

Role of Group Experts on Facebook

Facebook allows administrators to assign “Group Expert” badges to knowledgeable members.

Group experts may include:

  • Skilled professionals

  • Fitness trainers

  • Craftsmen

  • Subject specialists

Admins can select a member and choose “Make Group Expert.” These members receive a badge that highlights their expertise.

Group experts answer questions, share opinions, and guide discussions. Their presence improves trust and encourages high-quality conversations. This feature also makes it easier for members to find reliable information.

Privacy and Blocking on Facebook

If someone blocks you, you cannot see their posts. You also cannot tag, invite, or add them as a friend.

If you unfriend someone, you both lose access to each other’s private updates unless you follow each other publicly.

Conclusion

Facebook and Instagram continue to introduce features that give users more control. Hiding likes reduces pressure and improves user experience for many people.

At the same time, Facebook Groups remain powerful tools for building communities. When you create a welcoming environment, encourage discussion, and recognize experts, your group becomes more valuable and engaging.

Success depends on understanding your audience and providing meaningful content.

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