Remember when we told you to forget about Likes because Sends (otherwise known as share rates) became the new trend for Instagram?

Well, it seems Instagram’s focus has shifted to another metric as well. This time, the platform is officially making “Views” a primary metric for all types of content, including photos, videos, Reels, Live streams, and Stories. Previously, Reels utilized “Plays” to gauge performance, while photos and videos relied on “Likes.” 

For creators, this signifies a move away from the pressure of accumulating likes. Instead, the focus shifts towards capturing audience attention and maximizing the number of times people see your content. This could incentivize creators to prioritize more visually engaging formats like Reels and Stories.

Only time will tell how this change will impact the overall user experience and content creation strategies. However, one thing is clear: Instagram is moving towards a future where views are a key driver of success.

You can read more here.