Return YouTube Dislike — Restore the YouTube Dislike Count

Introduction

Return YouTube Dislike is a browser extension that restores the public dislike count that YouTube removed in November 2021. It combines archived dislike data with extrapolated counts from extension users to display an estimated dislike number on every video, helping viewers gauge content quality at a glance.

What Return YouTube Dislike Does

• Displays the dislike count next to the like button on YouTube videos
• Shows the like-to-dislike ratio bar beneath the video
• Uses archived data from before YouTube hid dislikes as a baseline
• Extrapolates current dislikes from the behavior of extension users
• Provides an API for third-party apps and players to access dislike data

Architecture Overview

The extension injects a content script into YouTube pages that queries the Return YouTube Dislike API with the current video ID. The backend server stores historical dislike data archived before YouTube's removal and continuously updates counts based on anonymized like and dislike signals from extension users. A statistical model extrapolates the full dislike count from the sample of active users.

Self-Hosting & Configuration

• Install from Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, or UserScript via Tampermonkey
• No configuration needed — it works out of the box after installation
• Optionally disable the ratio bar in the extension settings
• The API server source code is available for self-hosting
• Third-party integrations exist for NewPipe, Piped, Invidious, and mpv

Key Features

• Restores a critical quality signal YouTube removed from public view
• Combines archived historical data with real-time user extrapolation
• Open API used by alternative YouTube front-ends and players
• Lightweight extension with minimal performance impact
• Privacy-conscious with no personal data collection

Comparison with Similar Tools

• SponsorBlock — skips sponsored segments; Return YouTube Dislike restores the dislike count
• DeArrow — replaces clickbait thumbnails and titles; Return YouTube Dislike focuses on the dislike metric
• Enhancer for YouTube — adds playback features; Return YouTube Dislike adds a single data point
• YouTube NonStop — prevents idle pauses; Return YouTube Dislike addresses content quality signals

FAQ

Q: How accurate are the dislike counts? A: Counts for older videos with archived data are highly accurate. For newer videos, accuracy depends on the extrapolation model and the number of extension users who have viewed the video.

Q: Does YouTube allow this extension? A: The extension complies with browser extension store policies. It does not scrape YouTube directly; it uses its own backend API.

Q: Does the extension send my likes and dislikes to the server? A: If you like or dislike a video, the extension sends an anonymized signal to improve count accuracy. No personal or account data is transmitted.

Q: Can I use the API in my own app? A: Yes. The API is publicly documented and free to use for non-commercial purposes.

Sources

• https://github.com/Anarios/return-youtube-dislike
• https://returnyoutubedislike.com