Instagram is testing a hidden “dislike” button for comments, allowing users to react to unwanted remarks without revealing their stance publicly. This button will not display a counter, but it may influence comment rankings.
How the Feature Works
As reported by TechCrunch, Instagram is experimenting with a new way for users to express dissatisfaction with comments under posts and Reels. The company confirmed that this feature aims to let users signal when they find a comment irrelevant or inappropriate.
Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri explained that the button will only be visible to the person using it, and the author of the comment will not know that their message has been disliked. Additionally, the number of dislikes will not be shown publicly. “We are testing a new button next to comments on Instagram to give people a private way to express their opinion that they do not like a comment. In the future, we may use this flag to demote comments that are not liked,” Mosseri wrote on Threads.
Initial tests of this feature were first mentioned last month, but Instagram has now officially confirmed its existence. The experiment is currently being conducted on a small group of users, with potential future impact on the way comments are ranked, ultimately improving user interactions.
Will Dislikes Change Comment Ranking?
A similar system has been in use on Reddit for some time, where upvotes and downvotes influence the ranking of comments, reminds NIXSOLUTIONS. However, it remains unclear whether Instagram will assign the same level of importance to dislikes as Reddit does.
The feature is expected to help create a more positive discussion environment by reducing toxic interactions. However, Meta has not yet announced a timeline for a potential global launch. We’ll keep you updated as more details emerge.