Watching YouTube on your mobile device and wondering why you can’t see those dislike counts anymore? Let me walk you through what’s happening and what you can actually do about it.
Why You Can’t See Dislikes on YouTube Mobile Anymore
Back in November 2021, YouTube made a pretty significant change by hiding dislike counts from public view. While content creators can still see how many dislikes their videos get in YouTube Studio, regular viewers like us can only see the thumbs-down button without the actual numbers.
Current Ways to See Dislikes on Mobile
Return YouTube Dislike Extension
The most reliable way to see dislikes on your mobile device is by using a third-party browser extension called “Return YouTube Dislike.” However, there’s a catch – this only works if you’re watching YouTube through a browser that supports extensions, not through the official YouTube app.
Alternative YouTube Clients
Some alternative YouTube clients have managed to integrate dislike counts using the Return YouTube Dislike API. Apps like NewPipe (for Android) can show you approximate dislike counts, though keep in mind these aren’t official YouTube apps and might have limitations.
Understanding the Limitations
It’s important to note that any dislike counts you see through these methods are estimates based on a combination of archived data and user engagement patterns. They’re not perfectly accurate, but they can give you a general idea of a video’s reception.
Why YouTube Removed Dislikes
You might be wondering why YouTube made this change in the first place. The platform cited concerns about targeted dislike campaigns and creator wellbeing. While this move has been controversial, YouTube maintains that it has helped reduce harassment and dislike attacks on smaller creators.
What You Can Do Instead
Since getting exact dislike counts on mobile isn’t really possible anymore through official channels, here are some alternative ways to gauge video quality:
– Read the comments section
– Check the like count relative to views
– Look at the video’s engagement rate
– Read trusted reviews or recommendations
– Check the creator’s reputation and track record
The YouTube landscape has definitely changed since the removal of public dislike counts, but the community has found creative ways to adapt. While we might not have the same level of immediate feedback we once did, there are still plenty of ways to evaluate content quality before investing your time in a video.
