One of the most controversial changes YouTube has ever implemented was the removal of the dislike count on its videos. Almost five years later, the video sharing platform appears to give another blow to the easiest way for users to express their disappointment with a video.
YouTube is testing a hidden dislike button on videos
Multiple users online have reported changes to the dislike button on YouTube. According to @TheBobPony on X, the dislike button is now hidden under an overflow menu. Two other reports have also shown the YouTube interface without an obvious dislike button.
The change appears to be limited to a little number of users, and the screenshots suggest it’s being tested on the desktop website. There are at least two versions of the interface that have been shared online.
How often do you use the dislike button on YouTube?
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This could still be just a test
The YouTube dislike button may be moved under a menu. | Image by @TheBobPony on X
YouTube is famous for running similar tests frequently, so this change may not be anything permanent. However, we’ve seen a similar change to the YouTube Shorts experience, which has lost the dislike button earlier this year.
Instead, users can use the three-dot icon menu while watching a Short and select “Not Interested” or “Don’t recommend this channel” to fine-tune their algorithm. However, these options are not as easily accessible as the simple thumbs down button that’s easily accessible right away.
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Commenting the change, users on Reddit expressed everything from logic to outright drama. Some redditors were sharing various options to get back long-forgotten features of the platform, while others were simply confused as to why such a change would be necessary.
Some YouTube users were pretty dramatic about the change. | Image by Reddit (screenshot
Unnecessary change
YouTube hasn’t officially confirmed any plans to retire the dislike button, and I hope it doesn’t happen anytime soon. This is still the easiest way to signal that a video is not good, and I’d prefer having it instead of relying on other signals.
Unlike short videos, I sometimes finish YouTube videos that I don’t really like, and tapping “dislike” makes me feel like I won’t get similar recommendations anymore. After all, long-form videos on YouTube are still not scrollable the way Shorts and TikTok are.
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Ilia, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been covering the mobile industry since 2011, with experience at outlets like Forbes Bulgaria. Passionate about smartphones, tablets, and consumer tech, he blends deep industry knowledge with a personal fascination that began with his first Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Lima, Peru, Ilia balances his tech obsessions with walking his dog, training at the gym, and slowly mastering Spanish.
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