YouTube has initiated a new platform test that relocates and conceals the dislike button on long-form videos. Spotted by users recently, this adjustment builds upon the platform’s 2021 decision to remove public dislike counts from view. 

Under the experimental interface, visitors to long-form content will see a prominent like button while the dislike action is tucked away inside the three-dot menu at the end of the action toolbar. Reports indicate that Google has been conducting this A/B test over the past couple of weeks with a select group of accounts. 

The change has sparked immediate backlash and strong rejection from both regular viewers and content creators. Critics argue that burying the dislike option removes a vital mechanism for expressing direct dissatisfaction with uploaded videos. Furthermore, creators rely on audience feedback data to gauge public reception and understand viewer sentiment. 

Rest in peace to all dislike buttons except comments. 2010-2026
byu/Altruistic_Ease5344 inyoutube

Many users also consider the button an indispensable tool for verifying the credibility of tutorials and quickly identifying misleading or incorrect information before investing time into watching lengthy content. By forcing users through extra menu steps to register disapproval, the platform risks reducing transparency. 

They removed dislikes completely.
byu/Silver-Addition7050 inyoutube

YouTube has not yet issued an official statement regarding the test. Because this is currently an A/B experiment, user resistance could influence Google to abandon the design choice entirely. As community discussions continue across social media platforms, audiences await further updates on whether the layout adjustment will become permanent or be rolled back. 

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