YouTube starts hiding the dislike button on normal videos

9to5google.com Oct 21, 2026

YouTube starts hiding the dislike button on normal videos

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 21, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

YouTube is testing a UI change that moves the dislike button into an overflow menu on its desktop site, effectively hiding it from immediate view. The platform first removed public dislike counts in 2021 to “de‑weaponize” the feature, a move that sparked mixed reactions. Recent reports from Twitter, Reddit and user observations show the button still visible but tucked behind the three‑dot menu alongside the “Report” option, mirroring a similar adjustment already applied to Shorts. The test appears limited to the desktop web interface, as the change could not be reproduced on all devices. YouTube frequently runs such experiments, and the consistency with the Shorts rollout suggests a broader rollout for standard videos is likely imminent.

💡 Why It Matters

· By obscuring dislikes, YouTube may further shape creator feedback loops, nudging audiences toward positive engagement while reducing visible criticism.
· This shift could alter how creators gauge audience sentiment and adjust content strategies.

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