YouTube CEO Reveals All About 'Controversial' Dislike Removal In Ludwig Video
YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki joined streamer Ludwig for his latest video in which they talked NFTs, YouTube's future, and the removal of dislikes.
08th Apr 2022 15:39
Images via Ludwig | YouTube
Ludwig "Ludwig" Ahgren featured YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki in his latest YouTube upload, during which she admitted that the platform "knew" that the removal of Dislikes would prove controversial.
YouTube has introduced a number of changes in recent times to make the streaming platform better for users and content creators, as well as beating out stiff competition from Twitch and TikTok. However, these updates haven't always proved very popular. In November 2021, YouTube rattled cages when it announced it was removing Dislikes from videos. The new change meant that users could still dislike videos, but only the original creators could see how many 'thumbs down' their videos had received as they would be hidden away from viewers.
Following on from the backlash, YouTube head honcho Susan Wojcicki revealed all about the "controversial" change during a video with former Twitch streamer Ludwig. She also dished the dirt on a number of topics, including YouTube's ambitious plans for Shorts.
Ludwig Interviews Susan Wojcicki In Latest Video
Following on from his internet-shattering move from Twitch to YouTube, the Google-owned platform's CEO tweeted her congratulations out to Ludwig. The new YouTuber subsequently asked if she wanted to join him for a podcast sometime and, much to everyone's shock, she responded: "Yes that would be fun!" Safe to say, we pretty much forgot about the Twitter exchange.
Then, on April 7 Wojcicki surprised us when true to her word, she joined Ludwig for an interview in which she shared all about her life as YouTube's CEO. The pair discussed a variety of serious topics, including their conflicting views on NFTs and the various DMCA issues that Ludwig has come across since switching to the platform. However, Ludwig did take the time to poke some fun at Wojcicki, pointing out that he was wearing his Twitch socks and made her do a test on the different Twitch emotes which YouTube does not yet include.
Wojcicki also shared that their plans to rival TikTok with their YouTube Shorts feature are going well, revealing that these videos have been viewed over one trillion times. Although, she admitted that there are some monetisation problems that YouTube has to work out first.
Susan Wojcicki Admits YouTube Knew Removal Of Dislikes Would Cause Backlash
Wojcickiwent on to claim that YouTube was aware that the removal of Dislikes would cause "controversy" among viewers and content creators. The business exec stated: "We knew it was going to be controversial. We have to do what is the right thing for the ecosystem as a whole."
Wojcicki explained that she understood that there were people who were annoyed by the decision: "But then we also saw the impact that it was having on a lot of new creators, and that's bad. We need to have, and continue to support, smaller creators and how they're growing. That's important for the long-term health of our ecosystem."
Wojcicki concluded the video by finally gifting Ludwig his long-awaited 1 million sub plaque, which was long overdue given how he now has 2.7 million subs, as of writing. No doubt the giant accolade will take pride of place on Ludwig's mantelpiece, especially after he sold his silver play button for charity.
About The Author
Emma Hill
Emma Hill is a former Junior Journalist at GGRecon.
