In November 2021, YouTube officially removed the public dislike count, citing concerns about the targeted harassment and mass dislike campaigns. However, the functionality has not disappeared entirely. Through the efforts of developers and the online community, you can now restore access to dislike counts for YouTube videos using various tools and methods.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to viewing dislikes and understanding the limitations of these solutions.
Using YouTube Dislike Viewer to Check Dislike Counts
One of the simplest ways to view the dislike ratio of a YouTube video is by using the YouTube Dislike Viewer website. Here’s how it works:
- Copy the URL of the YouTube video you wish to analyze.
- Visit the YouTube Dislike Viewer website.
- Paste the video link into the search bar and click the “View Dislikes” button.
The website retrieves dislike data from the Return YouTube Dislike API, which compiles dislike counts using historical information and user-submitted data. While the numbers may not be perfectly accurate, they provide a reasonable estimate of a video’s reception.
Restoring Dislike Counts with a Browser Extension
If you prefer to see dislikes directly beneath YouTube videos, you can use the Return YouTube Dislike browser extension. This extension works on popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera, and Brave. Once installed, the extension displays the like-to-dislike ratio right on the video page.
Installation Instructions:
- For Firefox and Chrome, native versions of the extension are available.
- For Brave, Opera, and Edge, you may need to enable the option to install extensions from other stores before adding the Chrome-compatible version.
- Users of other browsers like Safari can employ a Tampermonkey userscript to make the extension functional.
Mobile Compatibility:
The feature is also accessible on mobile devices:
- Android users can use apps like ReVanced or Tubular, a fork of the NewPipe app.
- For jailbroken iPhones, two versions of the extension are available: one on Chariz and another called uYou+.
After installing the extension or app, simply open a YouTube video to view the estimated like-to-dislike ratio.
Limitations of Restored Dislike Data
It’s important to note that the dislike counts displayed by these tools are not entirely accurate. The numbers are derived from:
- Cached Data: Historical information collected before YouTube disabled public dislikes.
- Extrapolated Behavior: Patterns based on user interactions and feedback trends.
Since these tools rely on third-party data, the displayed dislike counts are best viewed as estimates. The Return YouTube Dislike API updates dislike counts periodically, often taking several hours or even days to reflect changes.
How Does This Work?
Users who install the extension contribute anonymous data, helping to refine the like-to-dislike ratios over time. While this collective approach improves accuracy, the exact numbers are unlikely to match those seen by the video creators, who still have access to the official metrics.
In a comparison by the tech YouTube channel LinusTechTips, the restored dislike counts were found to be reasonably accurate, though minor discrepancies were noted. The tool’s effectiveness largely depends on the number of users actively contributing data.
Why Were Dislikes Disabled?
YouTube’s decision to hide public dislike counts was driven by a desire to combat brigading and mass dislike campaigns. These campaigns often targeted creators unfairly, focusing on personal attacks rather than the quality of their content.
While this change aimed to create a safer environment for creators, it also eliminated a key metric that helped viewers gauge the quality of videos. The like-to-dislike ratio was particularly useful for:
- Identifying scams or misleading content.
- Evaluating tutorials and how-to videos.
Without this metric, viewers are now encouraged to rely on other indicators, such as comments. However, this solution is not without issues. Comments sections are often rife with spam, trolling, and misinformation, and many creators disable comments altogether to avoid these problems.
Community Efforts to Bring Back Dislikes
The push to restore dislike visibility highlights how much the feature meant to YouTube’s user base. Tools like the Return YouTube Dislike extension provide a workaround, helping users assess video quality while navigating the platform. However, the success of these tools depends on widespread adoption and continued user contribution.
Despite its limitations, the restored dislike functionality can help you:
- Avoid poor-quality content.
- Spot scams or misleading videos.
- Make more informed viewing choices.
The Role of Dislikes in Gauging Video Quality
The removal of public dislikes has sparked debates about balancing creator protection with user experience. While YouTube introduced this change to foster a healthier online environment, the dislike count served as a valuable metric for viewers. Restored dislike tools provide a partial solution, allowing users to regain some insight into the reception of videos.
By leveraging tools like YouTube Dislike Viewer and the Return YouTube Dislike extension, you can restore this crucial feature and make more informed decisions while browsing YouTube. While not perfect, these solutions underscore the power of community-driven innovation in overcoming platform limitations.
Conclusion
While YouTube’s decision to remove public dislike counts has its reasons, tools like the Return YouTube Dislike extension and similar platforms provide a workaround for users who value this metric. By utilizing historical data and user behavior trends, these tools enable viewers to make more informed decisions about the content they consume. Although not perfectly accurate, they offer a practical solution for navigating the vast world of YouTube videos.
Expanding on this, it’s worth noting that these tools also highlight the adaptability of digital communities in responding to platform changes. They serve as a reminder of how collaborative efforts can address user concerns and preserve features that contribute to an improved browsing experience.
While the restored dislike count may not fully replicate the original feature, its availability speaks volumes about the demand for transparency in online interactions. For creators, these tools offer valuable insights into audience reception, albeit indirectly, while for viewers, they restore a sense of accountability and content quality evaluation.
As platforms like YouTube evolve, tools like these underline the importance of community-driven solutions in maintaining a balance between the creator protection and user needs.
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