Summary: YouTube is testing a redesigned Shorts action bar that can replace the Like button with a heart icon and hide the Dislike control from the visible action strip, moving it into the three-dot (options) menu. These UI experiments vary by account, device and region and affect how creators and viewers register feedback on Shorts.
Quick take
- YouTube is experimenting with new Shorts iconography and layout.
- A heart icon may replace the traditional Like button in some tests.
- The Dislike control can be removed from the main action bar and placed inside the three-dot menu (or shown as “Not interested”).
What’s changing in YouTube Shorts?
Traditionally, the Shorts right-side action bar includes Like, Dislike, Comments, Share and Remix icons. In recent tests, YouTube has swapped the Like thumb for a heart (Instagram-style) and reduced the visibility of the Dislike control. Instead of a visible thumb-down icon, negative feedback may be accessible only via the three-dot menu or presented as contextual options such as Not interested.
Why YouTube might be testing this
This change follows YouTube’s earlier removal of public dislike counts. Hiding the Dislike button and using a heart for positive reactions likely aims to encourage less confrontational engagement, reduce targeted negativity, and improve perceived community safety—while still keeping negative signals for recommendation algorithms and moderation behind the scenes. In short, YouTube appears to be balancing visible feedback with efforts to curb harassment and misleading public metrics.
User reactions and community sentiment
Reactions are mixed. Some viewers find the change less transparent or misleading; others accept it as a UI test. Community feedback often suggests alternative approaches—such as removing low-use features like Remix—rather than merely demoting Dislike. The debate highlights the tension between platform design goals and users’ expectations for visible feedback tools.
What this means for creators
- Visible metrics: Public dislike counts may become less prominent, but creators still have access to engagement data in YouTube Studio and analytics.
- Focus metrics: Prioritize retention, watch time, click-through rate (CTR) and comment sentiment over visible like/dislike counts to evaluate Shorts performance.
- Audience signals: Hidden negative feedback can still affect recommendations. Monitor sudden changes in reach or audience behavior as potential signs of increased negative signals.
What this means for viewers
- If you want to register dislike on a Short, check the three-dot menu for Dislike, Not interested, or another feedback option.
- Layout and available options will vary by account, device and region while YouTube runs experiments—so your app may show a different action bar than someone else’s.
How to check for the Dislike option on a Short
- Open a Short in the YouTube mobile app.
- Look at the right-side action bar. If a Dislike thumb-down isn’t visible, tap the three-dot menu (usually top-right of the video).
- Search the menu for Dislike, Not interested, or other feedback options and use them to register your preference.
Images
Bottom line
YouTube is experimenting with a heart-style Like and reducing the visibility of the Dislike control in Shorts. The Dislike action may still exist via the three-dot menu, and layouts will differ by account and region while tests continue. Creators should monitor analytics (retention, watch time, CTR) and viewer feedback; viewers can use the options menu to register dislike if the button is hidden.
Read our Comment Policy before posting. Source link