YouTube is reportedly testing an interface that moves the Dislike button on some standard horizontal videos into the three-dot overflow menu. According to an AFF.TOP report dated October 22, 2026, the experiment is limited to a subset of viewers, with no announced worldwide rollout date. This is not evidence that YouTube has removed dislikes for everyone.
What is changing about the YouTube Dislike button?
Normally, viewers see Like and Dislike actions below a video. In the reported experiment, Dislike would sit behind the three-dot menu instead of appearing alongside the primary controls. Viewers could still provide negative feedback, but the action would take an extra tap or click.
Moving a button is not the same as removing the underlying feedback feature. The available report does not establish that YouTube is stopping its collection of dislikes or removing feedback from its recommendation systems.
Does the change affect YouTube Shorts?
The report describes testing on horizontal, long-form videos. It does not indicate a change to YouTube Shorts as part of this particular experiment. Availability may vary by account, app version, device and test group. If you still see Dislike in its usual position, your account may simply not be in the experiment.
Why is YouTube hiding dislikes?
In November 2021, YouTube stopped showing public dislike counts. At the time, the company cited concerns about coordinated dislike attacks and creator harassment. Viewers could still dislike videos, while creators retained access to dislike data in YouTube Studio.
The reported 2026 test would be different: it concerns button placement, not just public counts. The source report does not provide a verified official explanation for the new test, so its precise rationale remains uncertain.
How to find Dislike in the new YouTube interface
- Open a regular YouTube video.
- Check the row of actions below the player.
- If Dislike is missing, open the three-dot menu.
- Look for the Dislike option, if your interface offers it.
These steps describe the reported experimental interface, not a universal instruction for all YouTube accounts.
Will hiding Dislike affect YouTube SEO, views or recommendations?
Creators and marketers naturally want to know whether the change could influence reach. There is currently no demonstrated evidence that relocating the button alone improves or damages video rankings. YouTube's recommendation systems consider many forms of viewer behavior and satisfaction; the exact weighting of individual signals is not publicly disclosed.
It is plausible that adding another click could reduce the number of dislikes submitted, but that is a hypothesis, not a measured outcome. Fewer visible negative actions would not, by itself, prove stronger organic distribution.
What creators and video marketers should monitor
- YouTube Studio: like and dislike trends where available.
- Click-through rate: how often impressions turn into views.
- Audience retention: average view duration and drop-off points.
- Traffic sources: YouTube Search, suggested videos, Browse and external referrals.
- Comments: actionable feedback about the actual viewing experience.
- Comparable periods: avoid attributing every fluctuation to a limited UI test.
For advertisers, this is a reported change to the viewer interface, not an announced modification to Google Ads targeting, bidding or campaign settings.
When will YouTube remove the Dislike button globally?
As of October 22, 2026, the source report provides no date for a global release. The experiment could be changed, expanded or discontinued. Claims that YouTube has permanently deleted Dislike across the platform go beyond what the available information supports.
Frequently asked questions
Is YouTube removing dislikes entirely?
No platform-wide removal is established. The report concerns moving the button into a menu for some regular videos.
Why can't I see YouTube dislike counts?
Public dislike counts have been hidden since 2021. That is separate from the newly reported button-placement test.
Will YouTube Shorts lose the Dislike button?
The reported test concerns horizontal videos and does not announce a corresponding Shorts change.
Do dislikes affect YouTube recommendations?
Feedback can inform user experience, but the exact ranking weight is not public. No measurable recommendation effect has been established for this test.
Can creators still see dislikes?
Creators can check the available engagement analytics for their videos in YouTube Studio.
Bottom line
YouTube is reportedly experimenting with a less prominent location for Dislike. Until there is a broader announcement or reliable outcome data, creators should focus on retention, CTR, useful feedback and consistent publishing rather than speculative algorithm changes.
Sources: AFF.TOP industry report dated October 22, 2026 (source text supplied for this article); YouTube Official Blog, 2021 public dislike count update. We have not independently verified the reported 2026 interface test.