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YouTube Tests Moving Dislike Button to Submenu, Further Reducing Visibility
By Drooid · · How we work
YouTube Tests Hiding Dislike Button in Submenu
Recent user reports indicate that YouTube is experimenting with a UI change that places the dislike button inside the three-dots overflow menu on the desktop site. Screenshots posted on X and Reddit show the button removed from its usual position next to the like button, making it a secondary action that requires an extra click. The test appears limited to standard video pages; the like button remains prominently displayed.
Background: Prior Dislike-Related Changes
YouTube first concealed the public dislike count in 2021, stating the move was intended to “protect creators from harassment.” Although creators can still see the count in their analytics, the number is no longer visible to viewers. Earlier this year, the platform removed the dislike button entirely from YouTube Shorts, directing users to the overflow menu for reporting options. These steps reflect an ongoing effort to de-emphasize the dislike feature.
Official Statements & Responses
YouTube has not issued a new comment on the current test, and Google did not respond to a request for comment from The Verge. The 2021 change was officially framed by YouTube as a harassment-prevention measure, and the Shorts removal was announced by the platform as part of a broader UI redesign.
Potential Impact on User Interaction
Moving the dislike button to a submenu is likely to reduce its usage, as accessing it now requires additional effort. Fewer dislikes could affect creators’ perception of audience feedback and may alter the visibility of community sentiment on videos. The change also aligns with YouTube’s stated goal of minimizing negative engagement that can be weaponized against creators.
Community Observations
Multiple users on X shared screenshots of the hidden button, and Reddit posts from the past few weeks describe the same UI shift, noting that the like button remains front-and-center while the dislike option appears alongside “Report” in the overflow menu. Some testers were unable to reproduce the change on all devices, suggesting the experiment may be rolled out gradually.