Facebook is testing a new comment structure that will let people reply to individual comments, rather than a whole thread of remarks. And rank the most active discussions, which would propel conversations with a lot of activity to the top.
"We are testing a new format for comments on Page posts. As part of this test the most engaging comments appear higher up. You will also be able to reply to individual comments as well as the original post," a spokesperson for Facebook told CBS News via email.
Note the emphasis on Page posts. Facebook Pages are sometimes referred to as "fan pages" -- a feature that lets businesses, public figures or causes, among other groups, broadcast updates and photos to followers. It's not yet clear if the feature will be extended to regular member profiles.
The new commenting structure is currently being tested on a small group of public figures, like CNN host Fareed Zakaria. A quick glance through Zakaria's status updates will now show nested comments, which may streamline conversations.
See before and after photos below.
CNN host Fareed Zakaria's Facebook page before the new comment structure.
Facebook
CNN host Fareed Zakaria's Facebook page with nested comments.
Facebook
Facebook tests new comment, ranking structure
/ CBS News
Facebook is testing a new comment structure that will let people reply to individual comments, rather than a whole thread of remarks. And rank the most active discussions, which would propel conversations with a lot of activity to the top.
"We are testing a new format for comments on Page posts. As part of this test the most engaging comments appear higher up. You will also be able to reply to individual comments as well as the original post," a spokesperson for Facebook told CBS News via email.
Note the emphasis on Page posts. Facebook Pages are sometimes referred to as "fan pages" -- a feature that lets businesses, public figures or causes, among other groups, broadcast updates and photos to followers. It's not yet clear if the feature will be extended to regular member profiles.
The new commenting structure is currently being tested on a small group of public figures, like CNN host Fareed Zakaria. A quick glance through Zakaria's status updates will now show nested comments, which may streamline conversations.
See before and after photos below.