INSTAGRAM has removed the "like" count from posts as part of a trial which starts in Australia today.

The change means Instagram users Down Under won't be able to see how many likes other people's photos get.

But Instagram lovers will still be able to see a list of likes on their own posts, just not the overall number.

The aim of the trial is to create a "less pressurised environment where people feel comfortable expressing themselves".

The drastic change is compulsory for all account holders in Australia – but it won't immediately affect people in Britain or the US.

It follows a similar change introduced in Canada in May and will be rolled out to New Zealand, Japan, Ireland, Italy and Brazil.