Instagram Dislike Button for Comments: New Test Revealed

Instagram Tests Private Comment Downvoting Feature

A new button allowing users to downvote or dislike comments has been observed on Instagram, prompting confirmation from the company regarding its testing phase.

This functionality is being implemented as a method for users to indicate comments they find unhelpful or irrelevant.

Feature Availability and Functionality

The downvoting feature is currently being rolled out across both standard Instagram Feed posts and Reels content.

Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, clarified on Threads that the total number of dislikes will not be publicly displayed.

Furthermore, the identity of users who utilize the downvote button will remain private.

Impact on Comment Ranking

Mosseri explained that, in the future, the data collected from these downvotes may be utilized to influence the ranking of comments.

The intention is to prioritize more positive and relevant interactions by demoting disliked comments within the comment section.

“Our hope is that this might help make comments more friendly on Instagram,” Mosseri stated.

Initial Discovery and Meta's Statement

The initial discovery of this test was made by app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi last month.

Meta has now officially acknowledged the test, emphasizing its contribution to enhancing the quality of the comment sections.

A company spokesperson indicated that the test is part of broader efforts to provide users with greater control over their Instagram experience.

Comparison to Reddit's System

Reddit has long employed a downvote system for comment moderation and ranking.

The platform uses these downvotes, alongside upvotes, to organize comments based on community feedback.

While Meta is adopting a similar approach, the weight assigned to these downvotes in relation to Reddit’s system remains uncertain.

The test is initially being conducted with a limited user group.

Later phases may involve testing the demotion of disliked comments within the comment threads to foster a more positive environment.