YouTube Shorts removes dislike button, adds double-speed playback and clear screen mode

YouTube has removed the dislike button from Shorts, added double-speed playback, and introduced a clear screen mode. The changes, announced on June 26, 2026, are rolling out to most regions in a staggered fashion.

Shorts now generates 200 billion daily views, roughly matching Instagram Reels. The platform is betting that removing the dislike button will improve feed personalization while adding features users have long requested.

Dislike button removed, heart replaces like

YouTube had already hidden dislike counts years ago, but the button itself is now gone from Shorts. In its place, the like button has been replaced with a heart icon. The company said it will rely on "Not Interested" and "Don't recommend this channel" controls to tune the feed. Some Reddit users criticized the move, arguing it makes it harder to signal disapproval of AI-generated or low-quality content. Others noted that the dislike button skewed engagement metrics and that the new controls offer more precise filtering.

• Dislike button removed entirely from Shorts.
• Like button replaced with a heart icon.
• "Not Interested" and "Don't recommend this channel" remain as feedback options.
• Changes apply to Shorts only, not to standard YouTube videos.

Clear screen and speed controls

The new Clear Screen mode, an obvious nod to TikTok's similar feature, lets users hide all interface elements by selecting it in the three-dot settings menu. YouTube described the previous interface as "splotches on your windshield." The mute gesture has also changed: users now tap the video to stop it, then tap a mute button that appears. Double-speed playback, which YouTube called "the most requested feature" for Shorts, is activated by tapping and holding on the screen. Users can drag down to lock the speed for the duration of the video.

The updates are rolling out gradually. In some regions, such as France, double-speed playback has been available for weeks, but the dislike button remains. YouTube has not specified a timeline for full global availability. The company is expected to continue iterating on Shorts as competition with TikTok and Instagram Reels intensifies.