Yes, YouTube hides the public dislike count on videos, a change rolled out in late 2021 to protect creators from "dislike attacks," but the dislike button remains, and creators can still see the exact count in their analytics (YouTube Studio). Viewers can still click the thumbs-down, but the number isn't public, though some browser extensions can restore visibility, and YouTube is currently testing renaming the button to "Not Interested" for YouTube Shorts.
Nope. They decided the internet couldn't handle that negativity. So officially, YouTube only lets creators see their own dislike counts in analytics—because apparently we're too delicate to view the truth. BUT… if you're determined (or just really nosy) there's a browser extension called 'Return YouTube Dislike.
Only content creators can see the "true" number of likes and dislikes their videos receive and though there have always been plans to allow creators to share this information with the extension author, this has yet to materialize.
The test showed that removing it did reduce “dislike attacking” as well as indicating that it tends to occur more on smaller channels. The dislike button itself will not be removed, and it will still feed into YouTube's recommendation algorithm.
The "30-second rule" on YouTube refers to the critical first moments of a video, where creators must hook viewers within about 30 seconds to get them to keep watching, as YouTube registers meaningful engagement after this mark, impacting visibility and watch time. It's a key focus for audience retention, with strategies involving dynamic editing (B-roll, angles), emotional hooks, and clear value propositions, but it's distinct from copyright myths about using 30-second music clips.
Yes. While the headlines may read “YouTube removing dislikes,” the reality is that they're not quite gone forever. If they would like to understand how their content is performing, creators will still be able to find their exact YouTube dislike count in YouTube Studio, along with other YouTube analytics.
The reason behind removing the public display of dislike count was to create a respectful and inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to express themselves safely and succeed. Platforms like YouTube are living in a culture and economy that is led by the creators.
What Is YouTube Dislike Viewer? Our YouTube Dislikes Viewer is a free online tool that shows you the hidden dislike data on any public YouTube video. When YouTube removed public dislike counts from the platform, it became harder for users to understand how a video was being received by its audience.
Here's how to view YouTube dislikes in just a few simple steps:
Instead of simple icons floating on the player bar, controls now live inside distinct circular containers. That is a real break from nearly a decade of muscle memory. Seek controls also get a tune-up, with double-tap actions that YouTube says feel more modern and less intrusive than older methods.
Your audience simply might not like the style of your video. Or perhaps you said something you shouldn't have. Either way, it's helpful to know how your content is being received so you can improve. In the end, dislikes are a gauge for how content is performing.
They accused the company of using Rewind to promote a version of YouTube that would appeal to corporate advertisers while giving short shrift to certain creators and trends that were important to YouTube culture. YouTube 'Rewind' was supposed to celebrate 2018. It's now the most disliked video in the site's history.
While the removal of public dislikes could help the creators, there is the argument this is also about helping YouTube by getting more eyeballs on videos – even ones that could disappoint some viewers. The lack of "dislikes" means there is no quick public review of the user-generated content.
Why did YouTube remove dislikes? Officially, YouTube removed dislikes to stop discrimination against smaller channels. In a study carried out in 2021, they found that smaller creators in particular often faced “dislike attacks”.
The series' 2018 and 2019 installments (Everyone Controls Rewind and For the Record) were received poorly, with the former becoming the most-disliked video of all time on the platform. YouTube opted not to produce a Rewind video in 2020, before announcing the series' cancellation the following year.
YouTube does not currently show who has disliked a video for privacy reasons. The social media platform says that this information is private and is only viewable by the account holder. This means that YouTube does not allow other users to see who has liked or disliked a particular video.
So, Do YouTube Dislikes Affect Your Channel Growth? YouTube dislikes don't help. But they don't hurt either. Not in the way many creators assume.
On November 10, 2021, YouTube made dislike counts on videos private, purportedly to "reduce harassment associated with targeted dislike attacks."
The YouTube Partner Program requires 4,000 watch hours within a 12-month evaluation period, showing consistent viewer engagement. Private, unlisted, or deleted videos don't count toward watch hours. Only Shorts views from the Shorts shelf apply to the 10 million goal.
A YouTube shadowban refers to the platform's algorithmic suppression of a channel or its content without notifying the creator.