How to See Dislikes on YouTube iPhone: A Deep Dive

The short answer is: officially, you can’t see the exact dislike count on YouTube videos using the official YouTube app on your iPhone. YouTube made this change to protect creators from harassment and dislike attacks. However, don’t despair! There are still a few workarounds and perspectives we can explore. Let’s delve into the details.

Why Can’t I See Dislikes Anymore?

In late 2021, YouTube made the decision to hide the public dislike count on videos. They cited concerns about “dislike attacks” and “dislike bombing” campaigns, where coordinated groups of users would target specific videos with dislikes, often for malicious reasons. YouTube believed that hiding the public count would reduce these types of attacks and promote a more respectful environment for creators.

While the dislike button remains, and users can still express their disapproval, the actual number of dislikes is only visible to the video creator in YouTube Studio. This allows creators to gauge audience reaction and potentially improve their content without the public spectacle of a visible dislike count.

Are There Any Workarounds to View Dislikes?

While YouTube has actively worked to remove public dislike counts, some determined users and developers have explored alternative methods. However, these are often temporary solutions and may violate YouTube’s terms of service, so proceed with caution. Furthermore, accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

Browser Extensions (Not Directly on iPhone)

One popular method involved using browser extensions on desktop computers. Extensions like “Return YouTube Dislike” were designed to estimate and display dislike counts based on community data and historical trends. However, since these extensions rely on unofficial data, their accuracy can vary significantly. Moreover, using such extensions on mobile browsers, like Safari on iPhone, is often not possible due to limitations in mobile browser functionality.

Third-Party Apps and Websites (Use with Caution)

While some third-party apps and websites may claim to provide dislike counts, they should be approached with extreme caution. Many of these are unreliable, potentially malicious, or simply outdated. Sharing your YouTube account credentials with untrusted sources can put your account at risk. It’s strongly recommended to avoid such services altogether.

Focusing on Other Metrics

Instead of obsessing over dislikes, consider focusing on other metrics that are readily available and provide valuable insights:

• Comments: Reading the comments section can provide a better understanding of why viewers liked or disliked a video. Look for constructive criticism and recurring themes.
• Views: A high view count, even with dislikes, can indicate that the video is attracting attention and generating discussion.
• Engagement: Pay attention to metrics like watch time, shares, and new subscribers. These metrics paint a more comprehensive picture of audience engagement than dislikes alone.

Understanding the Creator’s Perspective

It’s essential to consider the creator’s perspective. While hiding dislike counts may seem frustrating, it was intended to create a more positive and less toxic environment. Creators can still access dislike data in their YouTube Studio and use it to improve their content. Supporting creators through constructive feedback in the comments is a more productive approach than focusing solely on the dislike count.

FAQs: Dislikes on YouTube iPhone

1. Will YouTube ever bring back the public dislike count?

It’s unlikely that YouTube will reinstate the public dislike count in its original form. They have stated that the decision to hide the count was made to protect creators and promote a more respectful environment. While they may explore alternative ways to provide feedback metrics, a direct return to the old system is improbable.

2. Are there any legitimate apps that show dislikes on iPhone?

No. There are no officially sanctioned apps by YouTube that display dislike counts on iPhone. Any third-party app claiming to do so should be treated with suspicion and likely violates YouTube’s terms of service. Avoid downloading such apps.

3. Is it against YouTube’s terms of service to use extensions to see dislikes?

While YouTube doesn’t explicitly forbid the use of browser extensions, it’s a grey area. If an extension interferes with YouTube’s functionality or accesses data in an unauthorized manner, it could potentially violate their terms of service. Use such extensions at your own risk.

4. Can YouTube creators still see the number of dislikes on their videos?

Yes. Creators can see the dislike count in YouTube Studio. This allows them to understand audience sentiment and make informed decisions about their content.

5. How can I give constructive feedback to a YouTuber if I can’t dislike their video publicly?

The best way to provide constructive feedback is through the comments section. Be specific, polite, and offer suggestions for improvement. Avoid personal attacks or inflammatory language.

6. Why did YouTube remove the dislike count in the first place?

YouTube claimed it was to protect creators from harassment and discourage dislike attacks. They believed that hiding the count would create a more positive and respectful environment for content creators.

7. Does hiding dislikes actually stop dislike attacks?

The effectiveness of hiding dislikes in stopping dislike attacks is debatable. While it may reduce the visibility of such campaigns, it doesn’t necessarily prevent them from occurring. Some argue that it simply drives the attacks underground.

8. How accurate are browser extensions that claim to show dislike counts?

The accuracy of these extensions varies greatly. They often rely on estimations based on community data and historical trends, which may not always be reliable.

9. Are there any alternative metrics that are better than the dislike count for judging a video’s quality?

Yes. Metrics such as watch time, audience retention, comments, and shares are more indicative of a video’s overall quality and audience engagement.

10. Is it safe to share my YouTube account information with third-party apps that claim to show dislikes?

Absolutely not. Sharing your account credentials with untrusted sources is a major security risk. Your account could be compromised, and your personal information could be stolen.

11. Will YouTube ever introduce a new way for users to express negative feedback on videos?

It’s possible that YouTube may explore alternative ways to provide feedback metrics in the future. However, there are no guarantees, and the specifics of any such system are unknown.

12. What should I do if I encounter a video that I strongly dislike?

You can still dislike the video, even though the count is hidden. You can also report the video if it violates YouTube’s community guidelines. Providing constructive feedback in the comments section is another option.

In conclusion, while the official method of viewing dislikes on YouTube iPhone is no longer available, understanding the reasons behind the change and focusing on alternative metrics can help you navigate the platform effectively. Always prioritize your account security and be wary of unofficial apps and extensions. Remember, a thoughtful comment can be far more impactful than a single dislike.