YouTube has introduced a series of major updates for Shorts, its vertical short-form video format, bringing its mechanics even closer to those of other interfaces such as TikTok and Instagram Reels. The new features affect the playback interface, enabling a cleaner experience and adding new speed controls, while also introducing a highly significant change: the disappearance of the “dislike” button.
The platform has stated that these updates, which will be rolled out gradually across all accounts, were developed based on user suggestions and feedback received over time on how to improve the Shorts viewing experience.
The “like” (thumbs up) and “dislike” (thumbs down) buttons are one of YouTube’s hallmarks. However, that has just changed for its Shorts section. The platform has decided to replace the thumbs-up icon with a heart icon, in the style of other social media platforms.
Meanwhile, the “dislike” button is being removed. “We made this change because we noticed it was not always clear which option to choose when you did not enjoy the content or when you felt it did not comply with our Community Guidelines,” the YouTube team explained.
But this does not mean users are losing the ability to express negative feedback. To do so, YouTube Shorts will continue offering the “Not interested,” “Do not recommend this channel,” and “Report” options in the three-dot menu located at the top of the playback screen.
YouTube has explained that, through YouTube Studio, creators will continue to have access to historical data on the “dislike” reactions received on their Shorts. “However, this counter will stop updating for Shorts at the end of June. “Dislikes” will continue to be recorded as usual for long-form videos and live streams. You will still be able to track your Shorts performance using metrics such as “Likes” or the percentage of times viewers watched them compared with the number of times they swiped away.”
Another new feature introduced in YouTube Shorts is the “Clear screen” option, which allows all controls and text to be hidden from the playback screen so viewers can enjoy the video without external elements getting in the way.
At the same time, Shorts is rolling out a new cleaner interface that groups features such as the audio track and links to related videos into a swipeable carousel below the video title.
For those moments when you are watching content but cannot have the volume on, YouTube Shorts has introduced a simpler way to mute videos. All you need to do is tap the screen to pause the video and then click the mute icon to turn off the sound.
This next update has been one of the most requested by YouTube Shorts users. The platform has added a feature that allows videos to be played at 2x speed, and you can activate it in two ways: by pressing and holding on the side of the screen (just as on other platforms such as Instagram or TikTok) or by swiping down while continuing to hold the player (this option allows you to lock the playback speed at 2x).
Photo: YouTube
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