The phrase refers to the techniques and methods used to view the number of dislikes on YouTube videos. It encompasses various browser extensions, scripts, and third-party websites that attempt to restore or approximate the visibility of this data after YouTube removed the public dislike counter in late 2021. An example would be installing a browser extension that claims to estimate the number of dislikes a video has received.
The desire to see this information stems from its perceived utility in gauging content quality, credibility, and potential misinformation. Prior to its removal, the dislike count served as a quick indicator of a video’s reception, influencing viewing decisions and potentially flagging problematic content. Historically, it acted as a collective signal, albeit an imperfect one, helping viewers assess the trustworthiness and relevance of a video before investing their time.
