YouTube removes Shorts dislikes and adds faster playback options

YouTube has introduced a series of updates to Shorts, aiming to make the short-form video experience simpler and easier to use. The changes include removing the dislike button, introducing a clear-screen mode, and allowing users to watch videos at double speed. The updates are being rolled out gradually across most regions.

The platform launched Shorts in 2020, and the feature has grown rapidly since then. By last year, YouTube reported that Shorts generated around 200 billion daily views, placing it on par with Instagram Reels in terms of audience reach. The latest changes are part of YouTube’s ongoing efforts to refine the viewing experience and improve content discovery.

YouTube changes how users interact with Shorts

One of the most noticeable changes is the removal of the dislike button from Shorts. While YouTube stopped displaying public dislike counts several years ago, the company has now removed the button from the Shorts interface entirely.

In a blog post, the company explained the decision, saying: “Instead, we’ll rely on our more precise controls, ‘Not Interested’ and ‘Don’t recommend this channel,’ to more accurately tune your feed and serve up content you’ll love.” According to YouTube, these options provide a more effective way for viewers to personalise their recommendations rather than simply registering a dislike.

The platform has also replaced the traditional “Like” button with a heart icon. YouTube said the change is intended to provide a “more meaningful way” for users to interact with content and show appreciation for videos they enjoy.

The decision has generated mixed reactions online. Some Reddit users argued that removing the dislike button makes it harder to express dissatisfaction with low-quality or AI-generated content. Others suggested that the previous dislike system did little to improve recommendations and agreed that the “Not Interested” and “Don’t recommend this channel” options are better tools for reducing unwanted content in users’ feeds.

New viewing features improve the Shorts experience

Alongside the interaction changes, YouTube has introduced a new Clear Screen mode designed to reduce on-screen distractions while watching Shorts. The feature allows users to hide interface elements through the three-dot settings menu, leaving more of the display available for the video itself.

The company compared the previous interface to having “splotches on your windshield”, suggesting that removing visual clutter creates a more enjoyable viewing experience. The feature closely resembles a similar viewing mode already available on TikTok.

YouTube has also adjusted the way audio is muted during playback. Previously, users could quickly silence a video with a single tap. Under the updated system, viewers must first tap the video to pause it before selecting the mute button that appears on the screen.

The revised controls are intended to reduce accidental interactions while ensuring playback functions remain easy to access. Although the change is relatively small, it reflects YouTube’s broader effort to simplify Shorts navigation.

Faster playback arrives following user demand

Another major addition is the ability to watch Shorts at double speed. Users can now press and hold the screen during playback to activate 2x speed. They can also drag down and lock the faster playback setting for the rest of the video.

YouTube described the feature as “the most requested feature” for Shorts, highlighting viewers’ growing demand for greater control over playback. Faster playback has long been available for standard YouTube videos, but until now, it had not been integrated into the Shorts experience in the same way.

The company said the latest updates are being released gradually so that availability may vary by region. Some users have already gained access to features such as double-speed playback. In contrast, others may still see the older interface, including the dislike button, until the rollout reaches their accounts.

The staggered release approach is common for YouTube, allowing the company to monitor performance and user feedback before making new features available worldwide. As the rollout continues, more Shorts users are expected to receive the redesigned interface and playback options over the coming weeks.