YouTube is testing a change that moves the dislike button for long-form videos into the three-dots menu, making it harder to access. The shift follows earlier 2021 efforts to reduce harassment risks for creators and similar changes to Shorts. Users report mixed reactions, while Google has not commented.
YouTube appears to be testing a new interface change that hides the dislike button for long-form videos, moving it to the three-dots menu rather than placing it alongside the like button. The shift, first reported by 9to5Google and confirmed by multiple user screenshots, requires viewers to navigate through additional steps to express disapproval. This change aligns with YouTube’s broader pattern of reducing the visibility of negative feedback, a trend that began in 2021 when the platform removed public dislike counts to protect creators from harassment.
A Gradual Shift Away From Visible Dislike
The current test mirrors earlier moves by YouTube to limit the prominence of the dislike button. In 2021, the platform removed public dislike counts while allowing creators to see their own video’s total dislikes. This year, YouTube eliminated the dislike button entirely from Shorts, replacing it with a different reporting system. The latest change, observed by users on both desktop and mobile, appears to be an extension of this strategy.
User Reactions and Uncertainty
Androidauthority suggested the move could signal a future removal of the dislike button for long-form videos, similar to what occurred with Shorts. However, without official confirmation, the ultimate direction of this policy remains uncertain.
For now, the test serves as another example of YouTube’s ongoing efforts to balance user feedback with creator safety. While the platform has framed these changes as protective measures, critics argue they risk silencing dissenting voices. As the test continues, the key question remains: how widely will this change be implemented, and what impact will it have on content moderation and user engagement?
Androidauthority detailed user experiences and historical context, and 9To5Google confirmed the desktop-specific nature of the change.