TikTok has unveiled a new feature that allows its users to downvote comments. The corresponding downvote button in the form of a thumbs-down icon will appear next to the heart-shaped like button in individual comments.
Similar to a like, users can tap on the icon as well as take back their feedback by tapping the downvote icon again.
🔔 New feature incoming. Earlier this year, we started to test a new way people could identify comments they believe to be irrelevant or inappropriate. After some testing, we're releasing it globally. 📲 Read on for 3 fast facts
— TikTokComms (@TikTokComms) September 23, 2022
TikTok says the feature was first introduced during the testing phase back in April, but now it is available worldwide.
Unlike the number of likes and comments, no one can see the number of downvotes since this data is now shown publicly. Only the one doing the downvoting will be able to see that they've done so.
Bradley Rhodes
According to the social media company, this tool is a new way to collect feedback directly from the community and help the platform to better identify comments that are inappropriate or irrelevant.
Bradley Rhodes
Other platforms, such as Reddit, have long had the option to downvote content, and it's a way for community members to publicly express their disagreement and gauge response.