Leaked Instagram Design Prototype Hides Number of Post Likes

Instagram seems to be taking measures in reducing the pressures of social media.

Reverse engineering expert Jane Manchun Wong picked up on the interface change test in the app’s Android code. With screenshots as evidence, she pointed out the absence of numbers below her post and a notification informing users that they are the only ones who can see the number of likes on their posts. In a short note written by developers, they explained that Instagram wants “your followers to focus on what you share, not how many likes your posts get.”

According to sources, the design is an internal prototype that has not been released to the general public. “We’re not testing this at the moment, but exploring ways to reduce pressure on Instagram is something we’re always thinking about,” a spokesperson said.

Other new features Wong observed include chat thread stickers for DMs, AR filters for video calls, simultaneous co-watching of recommended videos via DMs, lyrics on screen for the Stories soundtracks, emoji reactions on feed posts and a shopping bag icon for e-commerce.

Check out all the screenshots below.

In case you missed it, the Samsung Galaxy Fold is apparently already breaking.

Instagram is testing hiding like count from audiences,

as stated in the app: “We want your followers to focus on what you share, not how many likes your posts get” pic.twitter.com/MN7woHowVN

— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) April 18, 2019

Instagram is testing different styles for Lyrics, possibly as stickers pic.twitter.com/jX9VkJ2QwP

— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) April 18, 2019

Instagram Direct is testing Stickers pic.twitter.com/VEpXMgEnZP

— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) April 18, 2019

Instagram is testing AR Effects and Co-Watching in Video Calls

(hands-on demo) pic.twitter.com/y1OV80zVtg

— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) April 17, 2019