Wondering if there’s still a way to see dislikes on YouTube? YouTube removed public dislike counts in late 2021, but that doesn’t mean they’re gone forever. If you want to know how to see dislikes on YouTube, there are still ways to access this information using third-party tools and browser extensions.
This guide covers the best ways to restore YouTube dislikes in 2025, helping you gauge video reception and engagement with ease. Let’s get started!
Why Do Dislikes on YouTube Matter?
Even though YouTube removed the public dislike count, this metric still plays a crucial role in shaping the platform’s experience for both viewers and creators. Knowing how to see dislikes on YouTube can provide valuable insights into video quality, credibility, and audience reception.
For Viewers
Dislikes help users quickly assess a video’s reception before watching. A high number of dislikes often signals misleading titles, poor-quality content, or irrelevant information, allowing viewers to decide whether a video is worth their time.
For tutorials, product reviews, or informational content, dislikes serve as a reliability check. If a video has a high dislike count, it may indicate inaccurate or unhelpful information, guiding viewers toward better alternatives.
For Creators
Dislikes act as a form of constructive feedback, offering insight into audience preferences and engagement. If a video receives many dislikes, it can highlight issues with content quality, presentation, or topic choice. Recognizing these patterns helps creators refine their strategies, improve their videos, and build stronger connections with their audience.
Even though dislikes are no longer public, they still provide important feedback for improving content and understanding viewer behavior.
Why Did YouTube Hide Dislikes?
One of YouTube’s most debated decisions in recent years was removing public dislike counts. While some see it as a step toward healthier online interactions, others argue that it reduces transparency.
Here are the key reasons why YouTube hides dislikes:
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Preventing Harassment and Targeted Dislike Campaigns
YouTube removed public dislike counts to protect creators from mass negativity and online harassment. By hiding dislikes, the platform aims to reduce the impact of coordinated attacks meant to discourage or silence creators. -
Encouraging Constructive Feedback
Rather than simply clicking the dislike button, YouTube encourages viewers to share their opinions through comments. This shift promotes more meaningful discussions instead of passive negativity. -
Enhancing Viewer Decision-Making
By keeping dislikes hidden, YouTube wants viewers to assess content based on their own experience rather than crowd-driven assumptions. This approach aims to create a more unbiased and engaging user experience. -
Fostering a Healthier, More Inclusive Community
As a major social platform, YouTube strives to create a positive environment. Hiding dislikes is part of its effort to make interactions more inclusive and less toxic.
While the dislike button still exists, its removal from public view reflects YouTube’s broader goal of improving user engagement and online discourse.
How To See Dislikes on YouTube?
Although YouTube removed public dislike counts, there are still ways to access this information as a viewer or content creator. Browser extensions provide an easy way to restore dislike counts, while creators can view dislike data in their YouTube Studio dashboard. Here’s how you can see dislikes on YouTube:
1. Using Browser Extensions
One of the most effective methods to restore YouTube’s dislike count is by using browser extensions. Third-party tools integrate with the YouTube interface, displaying the number of dislikes similarly to how it appeared before the removal.
- Download the third-party extension from a trusted source like the Chrome Web Store or another verified platform.
- Open YouTube in your browser and go to any video.
- Once the extension is enabled, the dislike count will appear next to the thumbs-down icon, just like before.
While not an official feature, browser extensions offer a straightforward way to bring back dislike visibility and gauge audience reactions to videos.
2. Using YouTube’s API Data
For those with technical knowledge, YouTube’s API provides access to detailed video statistics, including dislike counts. While this method requires some setup and basic programming skills, it offers a direct way to retrieve dislike data.
Steps to See Dislikes Using YouTube’s API:
- Visit the Google Developers Console and create a Google Developer Account.
- Enable the YouTube Data API v3 in your Google project.
- In the Credentials section, generate an API Key for access.
- Use the API to make a request for video statistics.
- Extract the dislike count from the JSON response data.
This method ensures accurate results, but it requires some coding knowledge to implement effectively.
3. Using YouTube Studio
YouTube Studio provides creators with in-depth analytics, including dislike counts on their own videos. While this method is limited to content owners, it offers a precise way to gauge audience feedback.
Steps to See Dislikes in YouTube Studio:
- Log in to YouTube Studio with your YouTube account.
- Navigate to the Content tab and select the video you want to analyze.
- In the Analytics section, go to the Engagement tab to view like and dislike counts.
This built-in tool helps creators assess audience reactions and improve future content.
Conclusion
Even though YouTube removed public dislike counts, they remain an important metric for understanding video reception.
While YouTube aims to promote a healthier platform by hiding dislikes, having access to this information can help viewers make informed decisions and assist creators in refining their content. With the right tools, you can continue to gauge audience feedback and engagement effectively.