Facebook Testing Upvotes And Downvotes For Comments: Just The Facts
Facebook is testing the option to upvote or downvote comments in their mobile app.
What Is Facebook’s Upvote/Downvote Test?
The Facebook test, which was found on the Android app, allows users to upvote and downvote comments in a thread, a diplomatic way of signifying which comments are most relevant and appreciated and which aren’t.
Just spotted Facebook upvote /downvote arrows for comments. Inside Android app. pic.twitter.com/8M8nd4zf3v
— Joe Youngblood (@YoungbloodJoe) April 18, 2019
Why Is Facebook Testing Upvotes And Downvotes For Comments?
Facebook noted the test is a way to “support comments that are thoughtful and demote ones that are uncivil or irrelevant.”
While Search Engine Journal noted that the test isn’t adjusting comments’ locations on posts just yet, the idea of upvotes and downvotes is to bring the most relevant and insightful comments to the top of a post for other users to read. Adjusting comment location via up or downvotes allows the most popular comments to be the first seen and encourage further conversation or interaction.
What Does The Facebook Upvote/Downvote Test Mean For Digital Marketers?
The upvote/downvote testing by Facebook should allow brands to better understand what their consumers think and how they feel. As users sort the most relevant comments, brands will be able to easily identify popular reactions to the content they share. This may help brands further cater their marketing initiatives to better interest their ideal consumer base.