Introduction
Maybe you want people to focus on what you’re saying in your post on the Threads app more than the like count. Or, maybe you don’t care at all about likes on the platform and you just want them gone entirely. Thankfully, Meta gives you the ability to either hide likes on all of your content on the platform, or to hide the like count on your individual posts or replies. You should be aware that if you choose to hide all likes on Threads you’ll also be hiding the likes on all of your posts on Instagram. Further, if you choose to hide all likes on Threads, you also won’t be able to see the like count on anyone else’s posts or replies on both Threads and Instagram.
Some of the images associated with the steps are included inline below. All images associated with these steps can be seen in the embedded YouTube video. Also, please note that you’re not able to leave a comment directly on this article. If you have a question or feedback, please leave it on the YouTube video.
Steps to Hide Like Count On All Threads Posts
- Open the Threads app, and then tap the “Profile” icon in the menu along the bottom of the screen. You’ll land on your Meta Threads profile screen.
- Tap the “Menu” icon at the top of the screen. The Settings screen is displayed.
- Tap “Privacy.” The Privacy screen is shown.
- Tap “Hide Likes.” You’ll land on the Hide Likes screen.
- Tap to toggle on “Hide Likes.” Again, this change is applied on both Threads and Instagram. Going forward people will no longer be able to see the number of likes on your posts on either platform, and you won’t be able to see the number of likes on anyone else’s post on either platform.
Steps to Hide Like Count On a Single Threads Post
- Open the Threads app, and then tap the “Profile” icon in the menu along the bottom of the screen. You’ll land on your Meta Threads profile screen.
- Choose “Threads” if you want to hide a like on a specific Threads posts, or choose “Replies” if you want to hide the likes on one of your replies to someone else’s Threads post.
- Find the specific post you want to hide the likes on, and then tap the ellipses associated with that post. A menu pops up.
- Tap “Hide Like Count” in that post.
- The menu will close and you’ll see a Like Count Hidden message on the screen. The likes on that specific post will be hidden for all users going forward.
You can unhide the like count on a specific Threads post at any time by tapping the associated ellipses to open a menu, and then tapping “Unhide Like Count” in that menu. The like count will be visible on that post again.
Reasons to Hide Like Count Threads
1. Reducing Social Pressure
The rise of social media brought about an intense competition for likes. This competition often creates enormous pressure, especially among younger users. The need to gain likes can lead to stress, as individuals worry about the perceived popularity of their posts. Hiding likes acts as a buffer, eliminating this social hierarchy based on engagement. It offers an equal playing field, where the value of content doesn’t rely on a like count. This strategy can decrease stress levels and make the platform more enjoyable.
2. Focus on Content
The obsession with likes can overshadow Threads content itself. Users often judge posts by the number of likes, rather than the message or creativity behind it. Hiding likes shifts the focus back to content. It encourages users to engage with posts because they genuinely appreciate the creativity, rather than just jumping on the bandwagon of a popular post. This enhances the core purpose of Threads – sharing and appreciating content.
3. Mental Health
Constant comparison on social media can significantly impact mental health. Users may develop feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem if their posts do not garner as many likes as others. This unhealthy comparison can lead to anxiety and depression over time. By choosing to hide likes, users are taking a proactive step toward safeguarding their mental health. It allows them to share their lives and interests without the fear of judgement, creating a healthier social media environment.
4. Authentic Engagement
Hiding likes on Threads can foster a more authentic form of engagement. It encourages interactions based on genuine interest rather than popularity. When likes are visible, users may feel a subconscious pressure to like the already popular posts. Hiding likes removes this bias, leading to more honest interactions. This authentic engagement can foster a stronger sense of community and encourage deeper connections between users.
5. Privacy
Privacy is a major concern for many social media users. Some individuals prefer to keep their interactions private, and hiding likes on Threads can be a part of this. When likes are visible, they provide a measure of popularity and engagement that users may not want to share with others. Hiding likes gives users more control over their privacy, allowing them to share content without revealing the extent of their engagement.
6. Business Strategy
For influencers and businesses, perception is crucial. A post with few likes can be seen as a failure, potentially damaging a brand’s image. To manage this, some choose to hide likes. This decision allows businesses and influencers to control their image more closely. The quality of their content and the strength of their message become the focus, rather than a superficial like count. This can lead to a more robust and resilient brand perception.
7. Experimental Purpose
Some Threads users choose to hide likes as an experiment. They want to see how this change affects user engagement and behavior. Does hiding likes encourage more comments or shares? Does it result in more authentic interactions? The answers to these questions can offer valuable insights. It’s a unique opportunity to learn about the platform and its users, which could inform future content strategies.
8. Fighting Against Bots/Inauthentic Engagement
Bots and inauthentic engagement are common issues on Threads. Users often inflate their like counts with these methods, skewing perceptions of popularity. By hiding likes, users can discourage such tactics. This decision can make the platform more genuine, helping to ensure that interactions are between real users. It can also deter those seeking to artificially boost their popularity, leading to a more authentic Threads experience.
9. Limiting External Influence
The number of likes on a post can influence users. Seeing a post with many likes can push users to like it too, regardless of their true feelings about the content. Hiding likes can limit this external influence. Users are more likely to form their own opinions about posts, without the bias of a like count. This encourages users to interact more honestly with content, leading to a more genuine social media experience.
