Like button

This is a quantitative alternative to other methods of expressing reaction to content, like writing a reply text.

It was originally discussed to have been a star or a plus sign, and during development the feature was referred to as "awesome" instead of "like".

The like button is a significant power sharing tool, as one "like" will make the post show up on friends' feed, boosting the algorithm to ensure the post is seen and interacted with in order to continue the cycle of engagement.

[6] On the other hand, a study highlights the disadvantage of the "like" reaction in algorithmic content ranking on Facebook.

[7] In early 2010, as part of a broader redesign of the service, YouTube switched from a star-based rating system to Like/Dislike buttons.

[13] In addition to videos, each of their user comments also have its own set of Like and Dislike buttons since August 2007.

[19] Alongside reposts, X (formerly Twitter) users can like posts made on the service, indicated by a heart.

[21] In July 2024 it was reported that a "dislike" button featuring a broken heart icon was being tested as an addition to the site.

[22] VK like buttons for posts, comments, media and external sites operate in a different way from Facebook.

Liked content doesn't get automatically pushed to the user's wall, but is saved in the (private) Favorites section instead.

[24][25] XWiki, the application wiki and open source collaborative platform, added the "Like" button in version 12.7.