Instagram is testing a private downvote button for comments

Dislike but say it in a whisper
By  on 
The Instagram logo displayed on a smartphone screen.
Downvotes are being tested on Instagram Credit: Photo Illustration by Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Did you notice what looks like a dislike button next to comments on your Instagram account? You're not the only one, but you are one of a select few.

Instagram is testing a new feature that would allow users to downrank comments that they don't like, be it because they're negative, harmful, or maybe just because they disagree with them, Social Media Today spotted. Instagram head Adam Mosseri said in a post on Threads that the downrank button "gives people a private way to signal that they don’t feel good about that particular comment."

But it isn't like downvoting a comment on YouTube or Reddit because these won't be public, and there won't be a total downvote tally shown.

Mashable Light Speed
Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?
Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter.
By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!

"I want to be clear: this is a test, there is no dislike count, nor will anyone know if you tap the button. Eventually, we may integrate this signal into comments ranking to move disliked comments lower down. Our hope is that this might help make comments more friendly on Instagram," Mosseri wrote.

This isn't the first time Meta has tested out downvotes, and, as is true with many Meta tests, this doesn't necessarily mean the feature will come to Instagram widely any time soon — or ever. In true Meta fashion, this might just be another test to see how they're going to keep the platform safe, fun, and addicting without stepping on any political toes.

Mashable Image
Christianna Silva
Senior Culture Reporter

Christianna Silva is a senior culture reporter covering social platforms and the creator economy, with a focus on the intersection of social media, politics, and the economic systems that govern us. Since joining Mashable in 2021, they have reported extensively on meme creators, content moderation, and the nature of online creation under capitalism.

Before joining Mashable, they worked as an editor at NPR and MTV News, a reporter at Teen Vogue and VICE News, and as a stablehand at a mini-horse farm. You can follow her on Bluesky @christiannaj.bsky.social and Instagram @christianna_j.


Recommended For You
Why are TikTok comments suddenly full of religious messages?
screenshots of tiktoks with comments about jesus

Instagram tests new 'Blend' feature to share Reels with friends
The Instagram logo is being displayed on a laptop screen.


Apple to pay $95 million settlement for Siri listening to your private conversations
Apple Siri on an iPhone

LinkedIn hit with lawsuit alleging private messages were used to train AI models
LinkedIn app on a smartphone screen

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 13, 2025
A close-up of an NYT Connections game on a smartphone.

NYT Strands hints, answers for March 13
A game being played on a smartphone.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 12, 2025
A close-up of an NYT Connections game on a smartphone.

Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 13, 2025
A close-up of a Wordle game open on a smartphone.

Download free fairy-themed books in the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day
Books covers on gradient background
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!