YouTube Reduces Size of Play Button, Angering Creators

Muaaz, a user on YouTube, recently shared photos of smaller silver and gold Play Button plaques. However, many creators on the platform are dissatisfied with the apparent reduction in size.

Inaugurated in 2012, YouTube’s creator rewards program provides various Play Buttons plaques to users who reach certain subscriber milestones on the platform.

Content creators who reach 100k subscribers are awarded a silver plaque, and those who reach 1M subscribers are given a gold version of the award. These coveted awards have been received by creators from all corners of the globe, and many continue to strive for the elusive gold Play Button throughout their careers.

On August 22, 2024, user Muaaz shared photos from someone who had just received their plaques for a second channel, but they were noticeably smaller than their previous awards.

“According to him, YouTube has made the 100,000 and 1,000,000 Subscriber Play Buttons smaller now.”

YouTube resized the 100,000 and 1,000,000 Subscriber Play Buttons..they’re way smaller now 🙁below are the NEW ones laying on-top of the OLD onesold ones were way bigger manthe new 1M play button is now the same size as the old 100K play button pic.twitter.com/h8nNtYyZIF

— Muaaz (@mws) August 22, 2024

Many YouTube creators expressed their discontent with the change in the comments, as they flocked to share their thoughts about it.

“One user expressed their frustration, stating, “YouTube, this is unacceptable! Your constant updates have only worsened the platform. The playbutton changes have been especially disappointing, as we eagerly anticipate the impressive milestones they represent.”

“Another individual expressed, ‘I am aware it may seem foolish, but I am feeling quite disappointed. It is disheartening that this change is occurring just as my channel is about to reach a million subscribers.’

“Many are disappointed by this development. The Gold play button’s size was what made it so valuable, but now that it has been reduced to the same size as others, there is less motivation to strive for it,”a third commenter stated.

On the other hand, the change has not been met with frustration by everyone. Numerous individuals have expressed their belief that the smaller size will be more convenient to showcase in their setups, while some are simply excited to receive an award.

Just a few days after Twitch announced its Bleed Purple Statue, a tangible prize that will be given to streamers who achieve 5M, 50M, and 250M watch hours on the platform owned by Amazon.