Feature: Compact/inline reactions layout option
Problem
Currently, the reactions section displays prominently above the comments section with the reaction count and emoji button centered, taking up significant vertical space:
0 reactions
23 comments - powered by giscusThis creates visual separation between the reaction count and comment count, making the comment section feel disconnected.
Proposed Solution
Add a configuration option (e.g., data-reactions-layout or data-compact-reactions) to display reactions inline with the comment count:
0 reactions | 23 comments - powered by giscusOr similar compact layout that keeps related information together.
Use Case
- Cleaner, more compact comment section header
- Better visual hierarchy (reactions and comments are both engagement metrics)
- Reduced vertical space usage
- Better user experience on mobile/smaller viewports
Alternative Solutions
- Option to display reactions after comment count instead of before
- Option to hide reactions count when zero (only show emoji button)
- CSS customization API to allow embedders to restyle the layout
Additional Context
Currently using Giscus on a blog where the separated layout feels disconnected. The comment count and reaction count are both engagement metrics and would benefit from being visually grouped together.
Would be happy to contribute a PR if the maintainers are open to this enhancement!
Source: giscus/giscus