YouTube hides ‘dislike count’ in a move to protect video creators

In a decision that might bring some cheer to the YouTube video producers, the video platform has decided to hide the dislike in the videos uploaded.

Although the change does not mean that users will not be able to view or use the dislike button, it simply removes the dislike count for the visitors.

According to YouTube, this action will shield the artists from harassment as people frequently use YouTube to vent their grievances about actors or influencers. Many groups hit the dislike button on a video of a person they loathe in big numbers. However, things are changing on YouTube now, and for the better. The dislike count, which many people were hoping to see, will no longer be visible.

“As part of this experiment, viewers could still see and use the dislike button. But because the count was not visible to them, we found that they were less likely to target a video’s dislike button to drive up the count. In short, our experiment data showed a reduction in dislike attacking behavior”, the YouTube blog read.

The YouTube blog further said that creators will still be able to know their exact dislike counts in YouTube studio and the video’s performance metrics. However, the viewers can still dislike videos to tune their recommendations and privately share feedback with creators.