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First reports in forums

Outcry from users! YouTube removes probably one of the most prominent features

YouTube logo on a smartphone with video thumbnails in the background
According to some users, YouTube has abolished a popular function Photo: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett

November 7, 2024, 8:50 am | Read time: 2 minutes

YouTube has apparently made a major change to its platform. Several users have reported this in forums. The video platform has already changed several functions recently.

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Functions are constantly being expanded, changed, and ideally improved. YouTube frequently tests and adapts new features on the platform. However, many users on forums such as Reddit are currently outraged about one new feature: the popular Like button, which is said to have been removed.

Like button on YouTube is said to have been removed

Observant users have reported on Reddit that YouTube is said to have drastically changed the Like button. Allegedly, the number of likes, i.e., the “thumbs up” ratings, are no longer visible.

In the future, users will no longer be able to see how other users have rated a video. This was previously helpful in assessing the quality or usefulness of a video. Some time ago, the display of dislikes (“thumbs down”) was removed so that YouTube users could no longer see how many people disliked a video. One Reddit user wrote: “So why should there even be a ‘like’ or ‘dislike’ function if no one can see it?” It is possible that at least the operators of the respective YouTube channel still see the numbers.

The authenticity of these claims or the change is initially doubtful. TECHBOOK has therefore randomly examined numerous videos and found that the number of likes is still visible. This feature has not been removed from any of the videos viewed. It is possible that this is a location-based test.

More on the topic

Lots of changes recently

YouTube had already made some changes in recent months that were not necessarily met with user approval. There have been some changes in the area of advertising in particular. For example, advertisements were shown during video breaks, and the Premium Lite model was also hotly debated.

There is currently no confirmation that further changes are imminent. However, it is not unlikely. As already mentioned, the display of the dislike count has already been removed in 2021. It is therefore possible that the Like button on YouTube could also disappear in the future.

For this reason, TECHBOOK contacted YouTube and asked for a statement. We have not yet received a response. As soon as we receive a response, we will update you.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of TECHBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@techbook.de.

Topics News YouTube
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