application ecosystem Google is constantly evolving. And YouTube is often a favorite testing ground to experiment with its interface.
If there’s one element that has defined interactions on this platform since its inception, it’s classic duality Thumbs up and thumbs down.
However, it seems the company has a very clear long-term goal: Minimize any trace of visible negativity.
Many users have started reporting very recently, YouTube is trying to hide ‘I don’t like’ button In the main playback bar.
Until now, while viewing any content from our Android phones, the ‘Like’ options, ‘I don’t like’‘Share’ and ‘Save’ coexisted in perfect harmony under the headings.
With this new test, The dreaded thumbs down disappears from the main view entirely.
To find it, visitors have to do now You must click on the menu with three vertical dotsWhere we usually find secondary options like report tools.
YouTube keeps getting worse… First the dislike counter was removed, then the button on YouTube Shorts was removed, now the dislike button on regular YouTube videos has been moved to a menu. 🫠https://t.co/2VKtsNF5UD
— The Bob Pony (@TheBobPony) October 19, 2026
By adding this extra step, Google intentionally introduces key interface design Commonly known as frictionA deliberate barrier to discourage its quick and spontaneous use.
As expected, this is an interesting change Not unnoticed on the internet. Through platforms such as Reddit and social networks like X (Twitter), users affected by this experiment quickly expressed their disapproval.
The main complaint is the process of educating the algorithm about our preferences becomes artificially more tedious.
If the content is of no interest or confusing, report the application Additional navigation is now required That a large part of the public will simply stop doing it out of laziness, will reduce the reliability of the recommendation system that we value so much when we browse the app.
We shouldn’t be surprised by this strategic move by YouTube, as it’s part of a clear roadmap that’s been phased in over the years.
We must remember that the popular platform caused a huge stir at the end of 2021, when it made a controversial decision. Hide public counter ‘I don’t like’.
The company then justified the measure by saying it wanted to protect manufacturers from concerted harassment. Additionally, earlier this year, The app has dropped this same option directly in its short video format, Shorts.
At this point, the tech giant hasn’t issued an official statement detailing this redesign, limiting itself to secretly deploying it to a few randomly selected accounts.
