YouTube Shorts Tests Hiding Dislike in Menu

• Google is experimenting with moving the Dislike action in YouTube Shorts into the overflow (three-dot) menu.
• The company is also testing phrasing changes: showing “Dislike,” “Not interested,” or a combined “Not interested” label next to the thumbs-down icon.
• Participants in the experiment may receive an optional survey and can provide feedback in the YouTube app.

What’s changing in YouTube Shorts

Some users have noticed the familiar thumbs-down icon missing from the Shorts playback controls. As part of a test, Google is relocating the Dislike action into the overflow menu accessed by the triple-dotted button in the top-right of the player, while leaving the thumbs-up (Like) button visible during playback.

Phrasing and icon tests

Alongside the placement change, YouTube is experimenting with how the option is labeled. Test variations include displaying “Dislike” and “Not interested” as separate items, or showing a single combined label such as “Not interested” paired with the thumbs-down icon. Google tells researchers the two terms are often used interchangeably.

Where this test was spotted

The experiment surfaced in a post on YouTube’s support forum and was reported by outlets tracking app changes. Android Authority also covered the test after users flagged the missing thumbs-down in Shorts.

Why Google is running this experiment

Google says the goal is to determine which layout and phrasing best helps viewers tune their personal recommendation signals. By testing placement and wording, YouTube aims to learn how users express disinterest and how that feedback should feed the Shorts algorithm.

How to provide feedback

Anyone included in the test may see an optional survey after using the menu option. You can also send feedback directly from the YouTube app using the built-in feedback tool to share how the change affects your experience.

What it means for viewers and creators

For viewers, hiding Dislike inside an overflow menu could reduce accidental negative signals but may make it slightly harder to register quick feedback. Creators might see changes in how quickly negative signals accumulate on Shorts, which could affect discovery and recommendations in the short term.

Bottom line

This is a limited experiment — YouTube often trials UI and wording changes to refine recommendation quality. If you notice the change, use the in-app feedback or the optional survey to tell Google whether the new placement and phrasing helps you signal what you don’t want to see.