Instagram Tests Dislike Button for Comments, Aiming to Improve User Experience
Instagram is experimenting with a new “dislike” button for comments, allowing users to privately downvote distasteful or irrelevant remarks on posts and Reels. Unlike traditional like and reaction features, this button will not display public dislike counts but may influence the ranking of comments over time. Currently, the feature is being tested with a limited group of users, and Instagram has not yet announced a public rollout date.
A Private Way to Downvote Negative Comments
Instagram Head Adam Mosseri confirmed the test in a recent Threads post, explaining that the dislike button is intended to give users a way to express disapproval privately. “This gives people a private way to signal that they don’t feel good about a particular comment,” he stated. By keeping dislike counts hidden, Instagram aims to avoid potential public negativity while still gathering feedback on the quality of comments.
Potential Impact on Comment Visibility
While the dislike button itself will not be publicly visible, Mosseri noted that Instagram may eventually integrate the data into its comment ranking system. This means that heavily disliked comments could be pushed lower in the comment section, making conversations more constructive and reducing the visibility of harmful or spammy remarks. The goal, according to Mosseri, is to create a friendlier comment environment across Instagram’s Feed and Reels.
Similarities to Other Platforms
Instagram’s approach to dislikes is similar to Reddit’s downvote button, which allows users to influence comment visibility without displaying a count. YouTube previously had a public dislike counter for videos but removed it in 2021, citing concerns over targeted negativity. Instagram’s test suggests that platforms are still exploring ways to give users control over content moderation without encouraging hostility. If successful, the feature could become a subtle but powerful tool for shaping discussions on the platform.
