YouTube updates Shorts to make it even more like TikTok

2026-06-25 · Source: The Verge · Field: Technology & Digital — Gaming & Interactive Media · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

YouTube Shorts is rolling out several new features designed to align its user experience more closely with TikTok. These updates, announced in a blog post on Thursday, include a "clear screen" mode that removes on-screen icons and text, enhancing video viewing. The traditional "thumbs-up" button is being replaced with a "heart" icon, and users can now watch Shorts at 2x speed by holding down the screen edge or swiping down to lock the speed. Additionally, a mute button has been introduced. Concurrently, YouTube is removing the "dislike" button, directing users to provide feedback through "Not interested" and "Don't recommend this channel" options within the three-dots menu. These changes reflect a clear move to mirror popular functionalities already present on TikTok.

Key takeaway

For YouTube Shorts content creators, these updates signal an evolving platform experience focused on streamlined consumption and positive engagement. You should adapt your content strategy to utilize the "clear screen" mode for visual impact and recognize the "heart" icon as the primary positive feedback mechanism. Be aware that the removal of the "dislike" button shifts user feedback towards private "Not interested" or "Don't recommend" options, potentially altering public sentiment visibility for your videos.

Key insights

YouTube Shorts is adopting key TikTok features and removing the dislike button to refine its short-form video experience.

Method

Speed up a video by holding the screen edge; lift to revert. Lock 2x speed by pressing the player and swiping down.

In practice

• Use "clear screen" for distraction-free viewing.
• Engage with content using the new "heart" icon.
• Adjust playback speed to 2x for quicker consumption.

Topics

• YouTube Shorts
• TikTok
• Short-form Video
• User Interface
• Content Creation
• Platform Updates

Best for: Product Manager, General Interest, Tech Journalist

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by The Verge.