Instagram scales up private dislike button for comments across global accounts

Screenshots circulating on social media suggest that Instagram is expanding a dislike button feature for comments beyond its original small test group.

Users have reported seeing a downward arrow next to comments on both Feed posts and Reels, indicating that the feature is becoming available to a wider audience.

This tool, which initially began testing in February 2025, allows individuals to privately signal their disapproval of specific remarks without triggering public notifications or shame.

Meta has not yet published a formal announcement regarding this expansion, though Instagram head Adam Mosseri previously confirmed the programme's existence on Threads.

He stated, "Some of you may have seen that we're testing a new button next to comments on Instagram — this gives people a private way to signal that they don't feel good about that particular comment."

The design aligns with earlier leaks, functioning as a "private dislike signal" with no public count or creator alerts.

According to user descriptions, these dislikes serve as invisible backend signals for the platform’s algorithm.

Comments receiving a significant number of downvotes will theoretically rank lower in the section, thereby reducing their visibility without requiring manual deletion.

This approach mirrors certain aspects of Reddit's voting system but prioritises privacy to avoid "pile-on" dynamics.

By gathering data through this quiet rollout, Meta appears to be addressing the ongoing issue of toxic interactions within its community. Previously, the company focused on hiding likes to alleviate social pressure.