Why I don't use YouTube anymore

I stopped uploading videos to YouTube in November 2021 after YouTube removed the dislike button. I felt that the change was morally bankrupt. We live in an age where many people abuse Internet algorithms and online freedom to spread disinformation. The dislike button was an easy way for any viewer to see that a video was problematic. It helped promote the free expression of ideas without the need for censorship.

There was a public outcry when YouTube removed the dislike button. YouTube claimed it made the change because too many creators were being unfairly targeted by dislikes. Many people accepted this reason, while others believed there was an ulterior motive. But almost everyone moved on and continued to use YouTube normally after the initial backlash died down.

This sequence is exactly what YouTube and other companies want when making an unpopular change. They know many people will accept their given reason at face value. They know people won't remain upset about something that doesn't personally affect them. And thus, the initial backlash accomplishes nothing. Twitch and Reddit have recently achieved similar responses after pushing unpopular changes.

My opinion about YouTube's removal of the dislike button is strong, and it has not changed since November 2021. As such, I cannot in good faith continue to upload content to the platform. One exception I make is tutorial videos, since I want those to be as accessible as possible and I haven't found a better website to host them. I do not run ads on these videos or any of my archived videos.

I am fortunate enough to not need YouTube to grow my audience. My stream numbers have increased the most during periods of YouTube inactivity. I like streaming long hours and live interactions much more than I like editing videos and responding to YouTube comments. I understand this is not the case for everyone.

Thanks for reading!