YouTube does not plan to hide the “Dislike” button, which allows users to express a negative opinion of a video, from everyone. The updated interface will apply only to creators who upload their own videos. For them, the button will be moved from the main panel beneath a video into the three-dot menu. The interface will remain unchanged for other viewers.

In October 2026, some users noticed that the “Dislike” button had disappeared from YouTube’s main interface panel and had been moved into the three-dot menu. This prompted speculation that the platform was testing changes to how negative feedback is displayed.

In comments to The Verge, YouTube representatives explained that the change was an interface update designed for content creators. The new layout is expected to become available to creators in the coming weeks.

Video creators will still be able to view the total number of “Dislike” ratings and other statistics through YouTube Studio. This means that changing the button’s location will not prevent creators from analysing audience reactions to their content.

In 2021, YouTube stopped displaying the number of “Dislike” ratings beneath videos to viewers. In 2026, the platform also removed the button from Shorts, its short-form video service, replacing it with options such as “Not interested” and “Don’t recommend this channel.”

The clarification regarding the new interface indicates that YouTube has no plans to eliminate the “Dislike” button for all users. The change primarily affects the section creators use to manage their own videos.