Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 2 hrs ago
YouTube appears to test moving the dislike button into a menu
YouTube appears to be testing a change to its dislike button that would move it into a three-dots menu.
Users on X and Reddit have shared screenshots showing the button in the menu or missing from its usual place beneath videos.
Moving the button could make it harder to use, which may lead fewer viewers to click it.
YouTube hid public dislike counts in 2021, saying the change was meant to protect creators from harassment, though creators can still see the counts.
Earlier this year, YouTube removed the dislike button from Shorts and pointed users to the three-dots menu for other options.
The test’s reach is unclear, and Google had not immediately responded to a request for comment.
YouTube appears to be testing moving the dislike button on videos into the three-dots menu.
At least two users on X shared screenshots showing the button in the submenu, and a Reddit user shared an image showing it absent.
The change could make the dislike button harder to access, but the test’s reach is unclear.
Google did not immediately respond to The Verge’s request for comment.
- Who
- YouTube appears to be testing the change. Some users have reported seeing it.
- What
- The dislike button appears to have been moved into the three-dots menu or become absent.
- When
- Users reported the change shortly before October 21, 2026.
- Where
- On YouTube videos; reports came from users on X and Reddit.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
YouTube hid the public dislike count on videos.
YouTube removed the dislike button from YouTube Shorts and suggested using options in the three-dots menu.
Users shared screenshots showing the dislike button moved into a menu or absent.
- Reported platforms
- X and Reddit
- Screenshots on X
- At least two users
- Earlier change
- YouTube hid public dislike counts in 2021
- YouTube Shorts
- Dislike button removed earlier this year
What people are saying
protect creators from harassment