Digital defense · Reference

Community notes, explained

Community notes let regular users add context right under a misleading post on X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok and YouTube. Here's how they work, what they actually do, and how to start.

Seeing something false?Open the notes checkPlatform rules and links

How notes work

  1. Someone writes a noteA contributor adds context to a post, with a link to a source.
  2. Other contributors rate itRaters say whether it's helpful and why: sources, clarity, neutral language.
  3. Both sides have to agreeA note only shows when people who usually disagree both rate it helpful. A majority isn't enough.
  4. It appears under the postEveryone who sees the post sees the note. Some platforms also notify people who already engaged with it.

Status can keep changing for a while as more ratings come in. That's why notes on X say "Needs more ratings" at first.

What they actually do

46% fewer

reposts on X after a note appeared, and 44% fewer likes.

Slaughter et al., PNAS 2025 ↗
More trusted

People trusted notes more than a plain "false" flag, across the political spectrum, and got better at spotting misleading posts.

Drolsbach et al., PNAS Nexus 2024 ↗
Early wins

The effect shrinks the longer a post goes without a note. A note in the first hours does far more than one days later.

Chuai et al., 2024 preprint ↗

Platform rules and links

Every platform uses the same both-sides-agree rule. Who can join, the limits and where you write differ.

PlatformWho can joinLimitsWhere you writeLinks
X
Community Notes
  • Account 6+ months old
  • Verified phone
  • No recent rule violations
  • Start by rating; writing unlocks at Rating Impact 5
  • 280 characters, a link counts as 1
  • New writers: 5 notes a day, 3 on any one account
 ••• on the post → Write a Community Note
Notes center ↗Sign up ↗Rules ↗
Facebook
Instagram
Threads
Community Notes
  • 18+, U.S.-based
  • Account 6+ months old
  • Two-factor or verified phone
  • Admitted gradually
  • 500 characters
  • Source link required
  • Can't edit after submitting
  • Not on ads or private posts
 ••• on the post, once admitted
Sign up and rules ↗
TikTok
Footnotes
  • 18+, U.S.-based
  • Account 6+ months old
  • No recent violations
  • TikTok notifies people who qualify
  • Short videos
  • No published length limit
 In the app, once admitted
About Footnotes ↗
YouTube
Notes (pilot)
  • Invite only
  • Active channel in good standing
  • Pilot since June 2024
  • No published limits
 Under the video, if invited
About the pilot ↗

Rules checked October 9, 2026. Platforms change these often; the Rules links are the source of truth.

Getting started

Start wherever you are. Each step makes the next one easier.

  1. Spot and reportFlag what you see and tell the team.
    What to do
  2. Rate notesSign up on X or Meta now; approval takes a while. On X, rating is how you unlock writing.
    X ↗Meta ↗
  3. Write notesUse the notes check for tips and the draft checker before you submit.
    Notes check
  4. Join the Conversation CrewThe group that does this every week and keeps each other sharp.
    Meet the crewSlack ↗

Writing one that gets published

Published notes tend to be short and plain, with a link that backs up every part of them. A shape that works:

The post says [claim]. [Record or document] shows [fact], dated [date]. [link]

What raters reward

  • The original record as the source
  • Easy to understand
  • Answers what the post actually claims
  • Neutral language

What gets marked down

  • Missing source, or one that doesn't back the note
  • Opinion or guessing
  • Arguing with or mocking the poster
  • Notes on pure opinion

How we work together

  • Everyone writes and rates from their own account. Platforms discount groups that rate together.
  • Share claims and sources in Slack; keep links to notes waiting for ratings out.
  • Rate honestly, including on posts you agree with.
  • Keep the campaign out of the note.
Open the notes check and draft checker

Sources