Popular social media platform, Instagram, has launched a new feature on its Reels, allowing users to see which videos their friends have liked or commented on.
The update, which has started rolling out to users globally in recent weeks, has sparked mixed reactions.The feature adds small profile bubbles at the top right corner of the Reels playback screen, showing your friends’ interactions with content.
By tapping on these bubbles, users can view a list of posts their friends have engaged with, accompanied by a reply bar that makes it easier to respond and join the conversation.Instagram says the goal is to foster more connections and engagement on the platform.
The company described the update as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance “creativity and connection” by encouraging users to interact more socially within the app.
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However, concerns have been raised about the possible downsides of this feature.
Critics argue it could lead to awkward situations if sensitive or controversial content liked by a friend becomes visible.
Others have raised privacy concerns, particularly in relationships, where a simple “like” could be misinterpreted.
According to Instagram, not all likes will be displayed, as the platform’s algorithms will carefully select the interactions to share.
The company says the feature is designed to avoid exposing users to potentially embarrassing or damaging content.
