Following user reports of a new feature on Instagram that allows for downvoting comments, the platform has officially acknowledged that it is testing a function enabling users to express their disapproval or lack of relevance toward specific remarks.

This feature will be available on both Feed posts and Reels.

Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, shared in a Threads post that the platform will not display a count for downvotes, ensuring that the identity of those disapproving a comment remains private. He mentioned that dislikes might eventually influence how comments are ranked.

“Some of you may have noticed we are trialing a new button next to comments on Instagram—this offers a discreet way for users to indicate that they are not fond of a specific comment. I want to emphasize that this is just a test; there will be no visible dislike counts, nor will anyone see if you clicked the button. In the future, we might incorporate this feedback into the ranking system to lower the visibility of disliked comments. Our aim is to foster a more positive comment environment on Instagram,” Mosseri explained.

Last month, app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi disclosed details about Instagram experimenting with this feature, and now the announcement has been confirmed by the company.

Meta revealed that this experimental feature is designed to enhance the quality of interactions in the comment sections.

“We are exploring methods to allow users to have more control over their Instagram experience and the content they engage with,” said a Meta spokesperson. “We’re trialing a new button adjacent to each comment on a Reel or Feed post that allows users to communicate their dissatisfaction or irrelevance regarding that comment privately. Initially, this test will be limited to a small group of users. Eventually, we may consider demoting these comments in visibility to improve user experience,” they added.

Reddit has implemented a downvote feature for years, using it to sort comments based on overall approval and disapproval. While Meta is moving toward a similar model, it remains unclear whether the impact of these votes will be as significant as those on Reddit.