Creator Drama
YouTube Confirms Dislike Button Change for Creators Only
Developing
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“As someone who creates content, I want to know what things people want and don’t want to see,”
via dexerto.com
Background
YouTube removed public dislike counts from videos in November 2021, explaining that the decision was intended to reduce targeted dislike attacks and harassment, particularly against smaller creators. Although viewers could no longer see how many dislikes a video received, the button remained available, and creators could still access their dislike counts through YouTube Studio.
The platform has previously experimented with moving the dislike option away from the main interface on YouTube Shorts, where it removed the dislike button earlier in 2026. The latest interface tests emerged after users reported the option was no longer visible alongside the usual video controls, sparking backlash from viewers and creators who relied on the feature for feedback.
The timeline
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YouTube confirmed creator-only UI change
A YouTube spokesperson reportedly confirmed to The Verge that the platform is not testing hiding the dislike button for users, but is introducing a new UI for creators on their own uploaded videos where the dislike button is behind the three-dot menu.[4]
Our read of the evidence
Mostly unverified. The October 21, 2026 update was described in a timeline event reported by theverge.com as a creator‑only menu change, while dexerto.com reported that the dislike button remains accessible to all users and that no removal intent has been confirmed. No on‑the‑record statements from alternative viewpoints were present in the evidence. The new creator interface rollout is pending, as noted by a YouTube spokesperson.
Our rating counts evidence, not opinions about anyone: events confirmed by a primary source (the person's own post, their official site, a court or government record) weigh most, then how many independent outlets report the story.
What happens next
The new UI for creators is rolling out in the coming weeks, according to a YouTube spokesperson.
Frequently asked
Is YouTube hiding the dislike button from users?
No, YouTube stated it is not testing hiding the dislike button on YouTube for users. The company confirmed the change is for creators on their own uploaded videos.
What is the new dislike button change for creators?
YouTube is introducing a new UI for creators on their own uploaded videos where the dislike button is moved behind the three-dot menu. Creators can still find their full dislike counts in Studio.
When is the new creator UI rolling out?
According to a YouTube spokesperson, the new UI is rolling out to creators in the coming weeks.
Why did YouTube remove public dislike counts in 2021?
YouTube explained that the decision was intended to reduce targeted dislike attacks and harassment, particularly against smaller creators.
More related drama (4)
Sources (6)
Cite this timeline
This timeline compiles 1 dated events from 6 sources. If it helped your reporting, cite it:
GenZHype. “YouTube Confirms Dislike Button Change for Creators Only.”
GenZHype, 22 October 2026,
https://genzhype.com/drama/youtube-confirms-dislike-button-change-for-creators-only/.