YouTube is reportedly testing a new website layout that removes the date when a video was uploaded and the amount of views it has.
The Google-owned company removed dislikes back in 2021 to reduce targeted attacks on videos, prompting backlash from users worldwide. However, a browser extension to bring them back quickly rose from the ashes.
On Monday, October 28, VidIQ reported in a post on X that YouTube is testing a new homepage layout that removes view counts and dates.
In the screenshot, you can see six videos that show the thumbnail, title, and channel name – but nothing else. Normally, you’ll find the view count and an estimate of how long ago the video was uploaded under the channel name.
Shortly after the tweet was posted, dozens of users flocked to the comments to share their thoughts about the potential change.
“View counts and dates matter in selecting between videos on the same topic. I get from a product perspective what they’re trying to do, but this isn’t better for viewers or creators,” one user commented.