Instagram has already started tests on hiding like counts on posts in seven different countries. The plans are to continue testing for US users as well. Adam Mosseri, Instagram CEO, announced it on the 8th of November at the WIRED25 conference.
So far, likes are hidden from public posts in the feed, on the web and in profiles. You should still be able to see how many likes you’re getting, but other people won’t be able to. The tests have begun in Canada and rolled out into Ireland, Italy, Japan, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand. Facebook has also started running a test of hiding likes in Australia.