YouTube replaces the ‘like’ button with a heart in Shorts for some with ‘dislike’ removed
9to5google.com Jun 9, 2026

YouTube replaces the ‘like’ button with a heart in Shorts for some with ‘dislike’ removed

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

YouTube is testing a change to its feedback system, replacing the "like" button with a heart icon in YouTube Shorts for some users. The change is part of a limited test and has been noted by several users across Android, iOS, and web apps. For some users, the "dislike" button has also been removed, leaving only the heart icon. This shift in video feedback handling is a significant change for the platform, which has a decades-long history of using the thumbs up "like" button. The test is not mentioned on YouTube's experimental features page and currently only affects YouTube Shorts.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · The heart icon replacement may help YouTube Shorts better compete with other short-form video platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
  • · Removing the "dislike" button could also alter user behavior and interaction with content on the platform.