If you’re a creator, you can still see the dislike count on your YouTube videos. If you’re a viewer, the official method doesn’t exist anymore, but there’s a workaround. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Did YouTube Remove Dislikes?

YouTube removed the public display of dislikes from videos back in November 2021. This decision was largely influenced by the platform’s concern for small creators, who were found to be adversely affected by the dislike feature which was reportedly discouraging and damaging their online presence.

Another big reason YouTube hid the dislikes was to stop what they call “dislike attacks” or “dislike campaigns.” This is when a bunch of people band together and deliberately dislike a video, often as a form of bullying or targeted harassment against a creator, but also sometimes as a form of protest.

YouTube framed this decision as a way to make YouTube more inclusive and friendly. Even though the rationale is good, the move received a mixed reception from the community, largely due to dislikes being a key metric that viewers used to determine the quality of a video.

You Can Still See Dislikes If It’s Your Video

Even though YouTube has hidden the dislike counts from public view, if you’re a video creator, you still have the ability to see how many dislikes your videos are getting.

1. First, open a browser, go to YouTube Studio, and then log into your account.
2. Once logged in, click the Content option found in the left-hand pane.

3. You’ll see a list of your videos along with some accompanying data. Among this data is a Likes (vs. dislikes) column. Hover your cursor over the number and the dislikes will appear in the pop-up window.

This setup means that as a creator, you’re not totally in the dark about how your videos are being received. You can see both the likes and dislikes, which can be useful to gauge feedback and understand your audience better. It’s just that your viewers won’t be able to see the dislike count when they’re watching your video.

If You’re a Viewer, Use a Browser Plugin

For viewers who miss seeing the dislike counts on YouTube videos, there’s a workaround: browser plugins. The best we’ve found is Return YouTube Dislike which has received a 4.8 star rating out of over 15,000 reviews on the Chrome Web Store alone.

1. To install the browser extension, head over to the install page on the Return YouTube Dislike’s official webpage.
2. Click the browser you would like to add the extension to. You can also add it to newpipe forked Android devices or jailbroken iOS devices, though there are risks involved.

3. You’ll now be brought to the extension page for the respective browser. Simply click Add (or whichever variation of text may appear) to install the plugin.

Once you’ve installed the extension, there’s no need to restart the browser. Simply refresh the YouTube video if you have one open and you’ll see the number of dislikes appear.

Just a heads up, though. Third parties, not YouTube, make these plugins. That means they’re not officially supported by YouTube, so there may be some discrepancy between the number of dislikes you see and the actual number of dislikes, and there’s always a bit of a risk when using software from outside sources.

Will YouTube Dislikes Come Back?

As for whether YouTube will bring back public dislikes, it’s a bit of a guessing game. Right now, there’s no clear sign that YouTube is planning to reverse its decision. When they removed the dislikes, it seemed like a pretty final choice. They were quite firm about their reasons, wanting to protect creators and reduce negativity.

So, don’t hold your breath waiting for the return of public dislikes on YouTube. But, you never know. These companies can be full of surprises.

The post How to See Dislikes on YouTube Videos first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

For PDFs, you can get the word count using your PDF editing software, depending on which one you’re using. If it’s not built in, you’ll need to convert the PDF to a Word doc or use an online service.

Use Foxit PDF Editor

Foxit PDF Editor is one of the few PDF editing tools that can provide the word count of a PDF directly within the app and with little effort.

1. Launch Foxit PDF Editor and open the PDF you want to get the word count for.
2. Next, click the View tab and then select Word Count.

The Word Count window will appear, giving you certain statistics about the PDF. Not only will you see the word count, but you’ll also get the number of characters, pages, and more.

Using Adobe Acrobat Reader? Convert to Word

Adobe Acrobat Reader is one of the most popular and widely used PDF editing tools. Even still, it doesn’t provide a way to get the word count of a PDF within the app. Instead, you’ll need to convert the PDF file to a Word doc, which Adobe can help you with.

1. Open a browser of your choice and go to Adobe’s PDF to Word convertor on their official site.
2. Upload the PDF file that you want to convert.
3. Once uploaded, you’ll see a screen where you can confirm the document language and the document type you want to convert the PDF to. Click Convert to DOCX.

4. Once the conversion is finished, click Open in Word in the header menu. You can also download the document if you want by clicking Download.

5. With the document now open In Word, click the Review tab and select Word Count in the Proofing group.

The Word Count window will appear, showing the document’s word count and other statical information.

Use an Online Word Count Tool

If your PDF software allows you to copy the text in the PDF, you can use an online word count tool like WordCounter to quickly get the word count (and the character count, too). Copy the text, paste it into the editor, and voilà.

Don’t forget that this is an online service, though. Online tools are convenient and mostly free, but don’t forget to give privacy an additional thought before you plugin potentially sensitive information into the word counter tool. Ensure you’re using a reputable site that guarantees the confidentiality of your content.

Words to the Wise

There are a few different ways you can get the word count of a PDF document, each with its own set of advantages. Foxit PDF Editor stands out, though, by providing an in-app word count feature. Hopefully, one day Adobe will bring this feature to the table.

The post How to Check the Word Count of PDF Documents first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

The mute function lets you filter out specific words, usernames, etc., preventing them from appearing on your screen while browsing. You can use this feature on both X for the Web or mobile app.

How Muting Works on X (Twitter)

X lets you filter out specific words, phrases, usernames, emojis, or hashtags you want to avoid. Once you’ve muted these terms, you won’t see Tweets that contain these terms in your Notifications tab, Home timeline, or email notifications, as well as push notifications you might get from X.

Here’s some additional information you should know about the mute function.

• Case-Insensitive: Muting isn’t case-sensitive. If you mute “Ford,” then any variation of that, such as “FORD,” “ford,” and “fORD,” is muted.
• Punctuation: You can add punctuation to terms you want to mute, but you don’t need to add the punctuation if you expect that term to come at the end of a sentence.
• Hashtags: Muting a word automatically mutes its hashtag, too.
• Usernames: Add @ before a username to mute mentions of that account, not the entire account itself.
• Character Limit: You can mute terms up to X’s max character count.
• Languages: You can mute terms in any language supported by X.
• Duration: The default period for the mute setting is Forever, but other options exist.
• Settings: You can manage your mute list in X’s settings.
• Recommendations: Muted terms are excluded from X’s email and platform recommendations.

This level of control is excellent in that it allows you to tailor your experience on X to suit your personal preferences and comfort level. It’s a good way to prevent spoilers, inappropriate language, and other content from being shown to you while using X.

How to Mute Content on X (Twitter) for the Web

You can mute content on X for the Web, but the option is a bit buried.

1. Open X in a web browser and click More in the left-hand pane.

2. Click Settings and Support to expand a menu with a few relevant options. Here, select Settings and privacy.

3. In the left-hand pane, click Privacy and safety, then select Mute and Block in the Privacy and safety window.

4. On this next screen, select Muted words.

5. You’ll see a brief explanation of what happens when you mute words. Click the plus icon in the top-right corner.

6. This is where you can add the terms you want to mute. You’ll need to input each entry by itself. Enter the term you want to mute in the text box, choose where you want to mute the word from, select how long you want the word to be muted, and then click Save.

These terms will no longer appear to you on X unless you specifically search for them.

How to Mute Content on X (Twitter) for iOS and Android

Most people use X on iOS and Android, so it’s no surprise that you can also take advantage of the mute feature here. Here’s how it’s done.

1. Tap your Profile picture in the top-left corner of the screen, and then tap Settings and Support > Settings and privacy.

2. Next, tap Privacy and safety.

3. On the next screen, tap Mute and block.

4. You’ll see a few mute and block options, but you want to select Muted words here.

5. Next, tap Add in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

6. You’re finally on the screen where you can add the terms you want to mute. Tap the text box and enter one term at a time. You can also choose where to mute the terms and the duration you want the term to be muted. Tap Save when you’re done.

These terms will no longer appear to you on X unless you specifically search for it.

Take Control of Your Feed

The mute function on X is a personal curation tool, giving you control over what you see—or, more importantly, what you don’t want to see—while scrolling through your timeline or checking notifications. From avoiding spoilers to minimizing exposure to sensitive or disturbing content, muting is an effective way to tailor your online experience to your preferences.

The post How to Mute Words, Phrases, or Hashtags on Twitter (X) first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

You can take advantage of direct message reactions on both Instagram for the web and mobile application. Here’s how to enhance your direct messaging experience.

What Are Reactions on Instagram?

Instagram reactions are a set of emotive responses that users can send in response to direct messages. Unlike the standard “like” on social media, reactions let you respond with specific emotions.

This is a simplified way to respond without having to type out a full response. For example, instead of responding to a message with “That’s hilarious!”, you could just react to it with a laughing emoji. Or, instead of “OMG! You two look adorable!”, you could simply react with a heart eyes emoji.

How to React to Instagram Messages on iOS or Android

The majority of users use Instagram on the mobile app, and reacting to direct messages is a big part of that experience. Here’s how it’s done.

1. In the Instagram app on your iOS or Android device and go to the direct message that you’d like to react to.
2. You can double-tap the message to “quick react” to it. If you want to choose a different emoji, tap and hold the message. A line of emojis will appear. Tap the one you want to use as your reaction.

3. If you can’t find the emoji you want to use here, tap the + icon to display all available emojis.

4. From this menu, tap the emoji you would like to use

5. You can also “super react” by tapping and holding the emoji.

Once you react to the message, the recipient of the reaction will be notified if they have notifications enabled. If they don’t, they’ll see the reaction next time they look at the message.

How to React to Instagram Messages on the Web

It’s less common to use Instagram on a desktop browser, so certain features like quick react and super react aren’t available on Instagram’s web version. However, you can still react to direct messages.

1. Go to the official Instagram website on your web browser and go to the direct message that you’d like to react to.
2. Hover your cursor over the message you want to react to and click the reaction icon.

3. A list of all available emojis will appear. Click the emoji you want to use as a reaction.

The recipient will be notified or see the reaction next time they look at the message.

All Aboard the Emoji Express

Instagram reactions offer users a more dynamic and emotive way to respond to direct messages without having to type out long texts. Whether you’re using the mobile app or the desktop version, there are simple steps to follow to convey your feelings with just an emoji.

The post How to React to Instagram Messages (Mobile and Web) first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

This free Word art tool lets you turn a regular document into a more visually appealing piece. Here’s where you can find this somewhat-hidden Drive feature and how to use it.

How to Create and Insert Word Art in Google Docs

You can only insert Word art in the web version of Google Docs and not the mobile app. Open Google Docs in your browser and then create a new document or open the document you want to insert the Word art in.

1. Click the Insert option in the menu bar.
2. Hover your cursor over the Drawing option in the dropdown menu and then select New from the sub-menu.

3. The Drawing window will appear. You’ll see a checkerboard which you can draw on, as well as several options in the header menu. Click Actions and then select Word art from the menu.

4. Next, enter the text that you want to turn into Word art in the text box that appears. You can add multiple lines by pressing Shift + Enter. When you’re ready to save, press Enter.

5. Your text will now appear on the checkerboard as Word art. You can then customize it using the options in the header menu, like changing its color, border weight, and so on. Click Save and Close once you’re finished customizing the Word art.

The Word art will then be inserted in the Google Docs document.

Aligning Word Art With Your Text

The way your Word art interacts with surrounding text can be a bit tricky, and may sometimes cause an undesirable layout shift. There are a few options available for positioning the Word art with your text.

• In line: This option is the default option and makes the Word art behave the same as a character written in the text. It sits directly on the line of the text.
• Wrap text: This allows your text to wrap around the Word art. In other words, the Word art remains in place while the surrounding text adjusts to it.
• Break text: This makes your Word art essentially act as a barrier in your document.The text will stop above the Word art and continue below it.
• Behind text: This places the Word art behind your text. This is a good idea for art such as a watermark. Be sure there’s enough contrast between the Word art and text, though.
• In front of text: This places the Word art in front of your text.

You can find these options in the menu that appears when you click the Word art in your document.

Choosing the right wrapping option can have a big impact on the visual implications of the document, so choose carefully.

Bring Visual Potential to Your Document

Google Docs, aside from its many other features, offers creative potential with Word art. This allows users to transform ordinary text into a visual element, drawing attention to important details when necessary.

The available wrapping options also allow you to place your Word art appropriately while keeping in mind the content of the document.

The post How to Insert Word Art in Google Docs first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

If you’re using the Cash App and are looking for a way to block (or unblock) someone, you’ll need to use the mobile app, as the block and unblock feature isn’t available on the Cash App for the web.

What Happens When You Block Someone on the Cash App?

Deciding to block someone on Cash App affects how you and the blocked individual can interact through the platform.

First, once someone is blocked, they won’t be able to send you any money or requests for money through the app. You also won’t receive any notifications about their attempts.

Also, if any pending transactions haven’t been completed, they will be canceled.

It’s important to note that blocking someone on Cash App doesn’t remove your transaction history with that person. Previous interactions, whether payments or requests, will still be visible in your activity feed. So, while blocking helps limit future interaction, it doesn’t erase the past.

Block Someone on the Cash App

Blocking someone on Cash App is relatively simple, only requiring a few taps of the screen.

1. Open the Cash App, tap the Activity icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen, and then select the user you’d like to block.

2. Scroll to the bottom of the selected user’s profile and tap Block.

A pop-up will appear asking you to confirm that you want to block that user. Select Block, and you will have successfully blocked them.

Unblock Someone on the Cash App

The steps for unblocking someone are similar to blocking them.

1. Open Cash App and go to the blocked user’s profile.
2. Scroll to the bottom of their profile page and tap Unblock.

You won’t be asked to confirm that you want to unblock them. Make sure you really want to unblock them before you click that button.

Navigating Your Financial Interactions

With Cash App’s blocking and unblocking feature at your fingertips, you’re empowered to take control of your financial interactions. It offers the flexibility to manage who can send you money or request funds, creating a more personal and secure transaction environment.

Whether you’re in a dispute, aiming to limit communication, or just need peace of mind, understanding how to use these features is essential to using Cash App responsibly.

However, remember that using the block function doesn’t erase your transaction history with a contact or prevent them from reaching out through other channels. Ultimately, your ability to block or unblock a contact in Cash App is just one tool among many in navigating your financial life, and it should be used thoughtfully and wisely.

The post How to Block and Unblock Someone on the Cash App first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Cancelling your SiriusXM service isn’t an overly complicated process, but it does depend on how you actually subscribed to the service to begin with. If you subscribed via the SiriusXM mobile app, you’ll need to cancel using your mobile device. If you subscribed another way, you’ll need to contact support.

Cancel Your SiriusXM Subscription via iOS

If you subscribed to SiriusXM using an iOS device, you can cancel your subscription following these steps.

1. Open the Settings app and then tap your Profile icon at the top of the screen.

2. On the next screen, tap Subscriptions.

3. Finally, select SiriusXM and then tap Cancel Subscription.

Cancelling your subscription will prevent future payments, but your service will continue until the end of the current billing period.

Cancel Your SiriusXM Subscription via Android

Similar to iOS, if you signed up to SiriusXM using an Android device, you’ll need to cancel it from one.

1. Launch the Google Play Store app and then tap your profile image in the top-right corner.
2. Tap Payments & Subscriptions > Subscriptions.

3. Select the SiriusXM app from the list and then tap Cancel Subscription.

Your subscription will remain active until the end of the current billing cycle, but it won’t renew.

Contact Support

If you signed up to SiriusXM using a different method, such as through the website or if it was included with your car, you’ll need to contact the support team directly to cancel the subscription.

You can contact support by calling them at 1-866-635-8641, or by chatting with a live agent on their official website.

Before contacting an agent, make sure you have your account number or your radio ID (referred to as ESN or RID) readily available for a smoother process. You can find your account number in the top-right corner of your account center.

Once you’re connected with a representative, let them know you want to cancel your subscription. They may ask for reasons behind the cancellation, and potentially offer deals or incentives to keep it going. Remember, it’s your right to insist on cancellation if that’s your decision.

Your Subscription, Your Control

Whether you signed up to SiriusXM via iOS, Android, or some other method, you can always take control of your subscription status.

Always remember that your subscription decisions should best serve your needs and preferences. The process of cancelling a subscription is fundamentally a consumer right. Be it a shift in listening habits, a budget decision, or any other personal reason, the ability to freely make changes to your services is always there.

The post How to Cancel Your SiriusXM Subscription first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Fortunately, Canva, the widely-used graphic design tool, offers a feature to blur certain parts of a photo, providing a simple solution. With this feature, you can choose to keep the identity of the individuals in your photo private or add an artistic touch, even if you’re not a professional graphic designer.

Why You May Want to Blur a Face in Canva

When we share photos online, be it on social media, blogs, or other platforms, privacy is an important factor to consider. In some situations, you might not have the consent of every individual in the picture to post their faces online. Blurring faces in such cases can be a simple yet effective solution to prevent the unwanted disclosure of identities and respect people’s privacy rights.

Besides privacy, there are creative reasons for blurring faces or certain elements in a photo. Graphic design often plays with focus and attention to highlight or diminish various elements of an image. By blurring faces, you can guide the viewer’s attention toward a specific part of the picture you want to emphasize.

For example, in a crowded photo, blurring out faces can help focus attention on a particular person or object. Similarly, you can use it to create an air of mystery or anonymity around a character in a narrative, adding an intriguing layer to your visual storytelling.

How to Blur a Face in Canva

Blurring a face in Canva is a straightforward process. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Open Canva and click Create a Design in the top-right corner of the window. In the drop-down box that appears, select the type of design you want to use. We’ll use Poster (Portrait) in this example.

2. In the left-hand pane, select Uploads. Then, upload the photo that contains the face you want to blur. You can upload the photo from your local device, Dropbox, Drive, or Box.
3. Once the photo is uploaded, click it to add it to the poster.

4. Now, click the photo to select it, then click Edit photo in the toolbar.

5. In the left-hand pane, scroll down and select the Blur tool.

6. If it’s your first time using the Blur app, you’ll need to select Use to enable the tool. Otherwise, you’ll already have access.
7. You’ll see three features: Auto, Blur, and Restore. Select Blur.

8. The Blur option has three sliders that adjust different aspects of the blur tool.
9. Intensity: The strength of the blur effect. The lower the intensity, the more subtle the blur.
10. Spread: How far the blur effect extends from the area you’re applying it to. A larger spread covers more area.
11. Brush Size: The size of the “brush” you’re using to apply the blur effect. The larger the brush, the larger the area covered with each stroke.

12. After adjusting the settings to your liking, bring your cursor to the face you’d like to blur. Press the left mouse button and “paint” the area you want to blur. This causes a pink highlight.

13. Release the left mouse button, and the selected area will blur. Repeat it as much as necessary until you get the desired outcome.

That’s all there is to it. This technique gives you control over what and how much to blur.

Master Your Design

Understanding how to blur faces in Canva is essential to maintaining privacy in your digital imagery and adding creative touches to your designs. By mastering this technique, you hold the power to dictate the narratives in your pictures, ensuring they align with your intentions and purposes.

Whether it’s for preserving privacy or enhancing focus, the capability to blur faces in Canva provides you with a broader canvas for expression.

The post How to Blur the Face in a Photo Using Canva first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Luckily, Spotify allows you to block certain users, even if you haven’t added them as a friend, stopping them from following you and from seeing your profile and listening activity.

Block Someone on Spotify

You can block other users on Spotify from your computer, whether you prefer using the desktop or mobile app, or even the browser version. The interfaces that involve the required steps share the same layout, so the process of blocking someone is the same.

1. Open Spotify, and go to the profile page of the user you want to block.
2. Click the three vertical dots under their profile picture.
3. Select Block from the context menu.

You’ll be asked to confirm that you really want to block them. Select Block, and you will have successfully blocked the user.

Unblock Someone on Spotify

If you’ve decided to mend the relationship and would like to give the blocked user a second chance, you can unblock them. The steps are identical regardless of which platform you’re using Spotify.

1. Open Spotify, and go to the profile page of the user you want to unblock.
2. Click the three vertical dots under their profile picture.
3. Select Unblock from the context menu.

Unlike when you block someone, you won’t be asked to confirm that you actually want to unblock them. Make sure you really want to unblock them before you click that button.

Take Control

Managing your privacy and personalizing your Spotify experience are essential for making the most of the platform. By learning how to block and unblock users, you can take control of your interactions and curate a listening experience that suits your preferences.

Whether it’s blocking an unwanted presence or reconnecting with a friend, the power to shape your Spotify experience is right at your fingertips. Happy listening!

The post How to Block Someone on Spotify first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Facebook understands that things happen, and they’ve got your back—for thirty days, at least. If you deleted your account, you’ve got to act quickly if you want to recover it and jump right back into the world of likes, comments, and virtual connections.

Can You Recover a Deleted Facebook Account?

Good news: In most cases, you can recover a deleted Facebook account. When you delete your account, Facebook gives you a grace period, usually around 30 days, during which your account is just deactivated. This means that your profile, friends, and posts are hidden from view, but they aren’t erased from Facebook’s servers just yet. Facebook does this to allow users to change their minds and restore their accounts with minimal fuss.

However, if the 30-day grace period has passed, your account and all its associated data are permanently deleted from Facebook’s servers, and there’s no way to get it back. So, if you’re within that window and you’ve had a change of heart, act fast to recover your account before it’s gone for good.

Recover Your Deleted Facebook Account

If you’re ready to get your deleted Facebook account back and you haven’t missed the 30-day grace period, head over to Facebook and follow these steps.

1. Open Facebook on your desktop or mobile device.
2. Log in to your account using the same email address or phone number and password associated with the deleted account.
3. Click Log in.

You’ll see a prompt that says your account is scheduled for deletion. Simply click Cancel Deletion and your account will be restored immediately. Welcome back!

If you don’t see the prompt and can’t log in, you’ll probably miss the 30-day grace period. Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do and Facebook Support can’t help you. You’ll need to create a new Facebook account and start fresh.

The post How to Recover a Deleted Facebook Account first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Spotify has a user-friendly process for duplicating playlists, allowing you to effortlessly create a copy and personalize it to your taste. Once you know how to copy a Spotify playlist you’ll be able to expand your music collection in no time.

Copy a Spotify Playlist (Desktop App)

Back in the day, you could use this trick to copy a Spotify playlist from both the desktop app and the browser version of Spotify. Now, unfortunately, it only works for the desktop app. You can no longer copy a playlist using Spotify for the Web.

Follow these steps to copy a Spotify playlist on the desktop.

1. Open the Spotify app on your Mac or Windows PC, and then go to the playlist you want to copy.
2. Click the first song in the playlist to highlight it. Then, press Ctrl + A (Windows) or Command + A (Mac) to highlight all of the songs in the playlist.

3. Next, right-click any of the highlighted songs, hover your cursor over Add to playlist, and then select Create playlist from the sub-menu.

You’ve now successfully copied the entire playlist. By default, the playlist inherits the name of the first song on the playlist, but you can rename it. You can also add or remove songs to the playlist as you see fit.

Copy a Spotify Playlist (iOS and Android)

The process of copying a playlist is made much simpler on the Spotify mobile app.

1. Launch Spotify on your iOS or Android device and then navigate to the playlist you want to copy.
2. Tap the three horizontal dots found under the playlist image.

3. A menu will appear. Here, tap Add to other playlist.

4. Finally, tap New playlist at the top of the screen.

The Spotify playlist is now yours.

Maximize Your Spotify Experience

Utilizing the playlist copying feature can help you make the most of your Spotify experience, enabling you to dive deeper into the world of music and further expand your collection.

With this, you can tailor your playlists to your preferences, create custom playlists for different moods and occasions, and share your unique taste with friends and family. Embrace the power of playlists, and let the music fuel your creativity and inspire you in all aspects of life.

The post How to Copy a Spotify Playlist first appeared on Online Tech Tips.