Many Instagram users are noticing a big new change in the comments section. The platform has started rolling out a new dislike button feature for comments. It also appears to be testing different visual implementations of the feature, with some users reporting seeing a downward-facing arrow while others observe a thumbs-down icon.
This development was hinted at a few weeks ago when Alessandro Paluzzi uncovered it in the background of the app. And now, it’s finally here for the public (at least for some). Here are a couple of screenshots shared by users showing the different icons:
The rollout seems to be gradual, with users across different regions reporting varied access to the feature. While some Instagram users have already spotted the new button in their comment sections, others, like me, are still waiting for the update to reach their accounts. This isn’t surprising though since most features are often released in batches.
However, early user feedback indicates that the implementation may be limited in scope. Unlike Reddit’s downvote system, which displays vote counts publicly, Instagram’s dislike feature currently doesn’t show the number of dislikes a comment has received. This has led some users to question the feature’s practical utility, with one user noting, “Without a counter it’s pretty much pointless.”
Despite the mixed reactions, Instagram’s decision to introduce a dislike button is likely an attempt to give users more control over their interactions on the platform. However, it remains to be seen how the feature will be received in the long term.
Speaking of mixed reactions, another new feature that lets users share messages and images from chats with Meta AI is facing backlash. The company has outright confirmed that it’ll use the data to train its AI models. Who knows if the dislike button is yet another data point for Meta’s AI to understand the kind of comments users like or don’t like?
That said, let us know if you’re seeing the new dislike button or down-vote arrow on your Instagram app in the comments below.