Earlier this year, Twitter tested the ability to downvote comments with a small pool of users on iOS. We’re guessing the test went well because new rumours suggest that the feature may come to the platform soon. In addition to Reddit-like downvotes, users may also get Facebook-like reactions on tweets. If these rumours are true, of course.
A tipster known for reverse-engineering apps and software, @nima_owji found hints in Twitter’s code suggesting that the reaction and downvote features are close to launch. No, this doesn’t mean they’re available, and users shouldn’t see the features in the app yet. But if it’s in the code already, Twitter’s gearing up to make ‘em live.
Twitter’s building its own monster
We’ve seen rumours about downvote functionality for months now. And it’s also clear Twitter’s been working to keep its app updated with user-focused features recently. You know, like Spaces, NFT integration, and its live shopping feature just to name a few recent additions.
Once downvotes and reactions appear, they’ll work in a similar way to how they work in the apps they’re stolen borrowed from. According to 9to5Mac, downvotes will help Twitter rank better content/comments higher in threads. They’ll also be anonymous, meaning the owner of the tweet you downvoted won’t know who contributed to it dropping in popularity.
Reactions, on the other hand, will be public — similar to how likes currently work. There’ll be a few key reaction emojis, including “tears of joy,” “thinking face,” “clapping hands,” and “crying face”.
According to reports, the code was spotted in the iOS app — so users on the platform may be the first to gain access to the new features. It’s too early to tell, though.