EXCLUSIVE: Australian reality stars and influencers speak out as Instagram removes 'likes' in a shock decision that could destroy careers - after Tammy Hembrow vowed to delete her account in protest
Australian Instagram users were shocked to discover the 'like' feature had been removed on Thursday, meaning they can no longer determine the popularity of individual posts.
While this decision may seem insignificant to most, it could lead to sponsorship deals and endorsements drying up for 'influencers' who depend on likes to measure their popularity and engagement levels.
With their careers hanging in the balance, several Instagram stars have revealed how they are coping with the controversial new feature.
Crisis: With their careers hanging in the balance, Instagram stars have revealed how they are coping with the controversial removal of the 'like count' feature. Pictured: Tammy Hembrow
Tammy Hembrow, who boasts almost 10 million followers, expressed her concerns about the move back in June, when it was first announced.
Share this article
'What happens when Instagram gets rid of the likes?' asked a photographer as she left a nightclub in Los Angeles.
'Then we'll delete Instagram from my life!' Tammy replied, before climbing into a taxi and saying: 'F**k Instagram!'
'F**k Instagram': Tammy Hembrow, who boasts almost 10 million followers, expressed her concerns about the move back in June, when it was first announced
As influencers depend on likes to prove their engagement with followers, it's likely that many will struggle to secure brand sponsorships going forward.
While they can send private analytics to advertisers, companies will be unable to independently verify these figures because the 'like count' is no longer visible.
Jessika Power said she is confident her earning potential won't be affected because the clients she works with are happy to trust the statistics she provides.
Controversial: As influencers depend on likes to measure their engagement with followers, it's likely that many will struggle to secure brand sponsorships going forward. Pictured: Tammy
Defiant: Jessika Power (pictured) said she is confident her earning potential won't be affected because the clients she works with are happy to trust the statistics she provides
'It's okay because our income works off of the analytics,' Jessika said on Thursday.
The Married At First Sight star added: 'It won't affect my work in any way. The likes are more like a drug to some people.
'It's that feeling of love and acceptance, but I couldn't give two hoots if I'm honest.'
Jessika currently boasts 214,000 followers, and averaged around 12,000 likes a post before the count was hidden on Thursday.
No worries! Jessika told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday, 'It won't affect my work in any way. The likes are more like a drug to some people'
Jessika's co-star Martha Kalifatidis, who has 282,000 followers, said she also isn't bothered by the Instagram update.
She said: 'I don't really care, it won't change [my] life. I'm still going to post fire pics on the regular.'
Before the change was rolled out, Martha averaged around 25,000 likes per post.
Speaking out: Jessika's MAFS co-star Martha Kalifatidis (pictured), who has 282,000 followers, said she also isn't bothered by the Instagram update
![Keeping up the content: Martha told Daily Mail Australia: 'I don't really care [about the like count], it won't change my life. I'm still going to post fire pics on the regular'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/07/18/04/16193314-7259425-image-a-82_1563422267957.jpg)
Keeping up the content: Martha told Daily Mail Australia: 'I don't really care [about the like count], it won't change my life. I'm still going to post fire pics on the regular'
Meanwhile, Married At First Sight's Nasser Sultan is furious with Instagram.
The personal trainer, who has 36,000 followers, is worried that people won't know how 'famous' he is if his likes are no longer visible.
'It is outrageous that I don't look like a celebrity now and people can't see how popular I am with my posts,' he raged.
Nasser is considered a 'micro-influencer' in the industry and mainly uses his account to secure free meals at casual restaurants.
'I don't look like a celebrity and people can't see how popular I am now': Meanwhile, Married At First Sight star and 'micro-influencer' Nasser Sultan (left) is furious with Instagram
Happy: Speaking to Popsugar on Thursday, Pia Miller (pictured), who has 732,000 followers, said she is happily embracing the change and thinks it will have a positive impact
Speaking to Popsugar on Thursday, Pia Miller, who has 732,000 followers, said she is happily embracing the change and thinks it will have a positive impact.
'I want to live and raise my sons in a world where, within the the realm of social media or any media platform, it becomes a form of expression not validation,' she said.
Despite making money from his Instagram account, The Bachelor's Tim Robards, who has 188,000 followers, claimed: 'Personally it doesn't really effect me.
'But I like that Instagram is trying to take action and make it a more positive social platform. Hopefully it has a positive effect. If anything, at least it creates a conversation and awareness.'
Zen: 'I want to live and raise my sons in a world where, within the the realm of social media or any media platform, it becomes a form of expression not validation,' Pia said
What change? Despite making money from his Instagram account, The Bachelor's Tim Robards (pictured), who has 188,000 followers, claimed: 'Personally it doesn't really effect me'
Comments 0
Share what you think
No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.
