YouTube tests hiding video “dislike” counts
YouTube has started a new experiment: to try hiding the dislike count on videos from public view.
The company announced on Twitter that it has launched an experiment which will see public dislike counts removed on some creators’ videos, as part of its effort to reduce the impact of negative behaviors on the platform.
“In response to creator feedback around well-being and targeted dislike campaigns, we’re testing a few new designs that don’t show the public dislike count”, YouTube said.
👍👎 In response to creator feedback around well-being and targeted dislike campaigns, we're testing a few new designs that don't show the public dislike count. If you're part of this small experiment, you might spot one of these designs in the coming weeks (example below!). pic.twitter.com/aemrIcnrbx
— YouTube (@YouTube) March 30, 2021
As noted by YouTube, the test aims to address concerns around targeted dislike campaigns and the impact of negative indicators on user well-being.
Creators will still be able to see their full “like” and “dislike” counts in YouTube Studio, while viewers will still be able to like and dislike videos. The removal of total counts could help to take away some of the negative stigma around such, which could help make people feel more comfortable in sharing their content.
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