Lately, you might have experienced hard times watching videos on YouTube if you use a YouTube ad blocker. Youtube blocks you from watching, and forces you to accept ads and turn off your ad blocker. Another solution is paying for a YouTube subscription, or you can bypass being blocked with a few simple tips, which we explain further down.
In recent years, YouTube has been taking a more aggressive stance against ad blockers. In 2023, YouTube launched a “global effort” to block users from avoiding ads and has been rolling out new technologies to make it more difficult for these tools to work. Let’s continue and see what this means for you and how you can bypass the YouTube restrictions.
Highlight Summary:
- In November 2023, YouTube announced that it would start blocking users who use ad blockers from watching videos altogether.
- YouTube argues that ad blockers are hurting creators and making the YouTube experience worse for users.
- Many users argue that YouTube ad blockers are necessary to protect their privacy and security and make the YouTube experience more enjoyable.
- There are still ways to avoid being blocked using new improved ad blockers.
What Does YouTube Ads Mean
YouTube’s global advertising revenues in 2022 amounted to approximately $29.24 billion. There is no real data on how much revenue YouTube loses in advertising because of users using ad blockers, but it is expected to be anywhere from 18% to a whopping 60%. This is more than enough to motivate anyone to take action to increase its revenues. Especially with a simple fix as blocking ad blockers.
According to YouTube, ad blockers are hurting creators, who rely on ad revenue to make a living. The company also says that ad blockers can make the YouTube experience worse for users, as they can lead to videos buffering more and taking longer to load. In addition, content creators and advertisers lose out on payments from YouTube if ads are not shown while streaming videos.
However, many users argue that ad blockers are necessary to protect their privacy and security. They also point out that by removing the 15 to 20-second long ads makes the YouTube experience more enjoyable, and less intrusive and disruptive.
Backlash From YouTube Users
To solve the issue, and to not lose out on its revenues, in November 2023, YouTube announced that it will start blocking users who use ad blockers from watching videos altogether. This move has been met with backlash from users, though. Considering the amount of revenue lost for creators, advertisers, and YouTube, it is debatable whether you should use an ad blocker or not.
The most ethical is to not do so, and buy a subscription to support your favorite channels. If not, it can lead to creators and advertisers leaving the platform. On the other hand, if you are still considering using a YouTube ad blocker, some developers have already released updates that work around YouTube’s new blocking measures.
How To Bypass YouTube Ad Blocker
The Response from ad blocker developers has been fierce, and there are already several new ways that you can use to avoid YouTube ads.
Select a Top Notch Ad Blocker: The first thing you can do to avoid being blocked is to install YouTube Anti-Adblock Bypass for free. Make sure that only this extension is on and no other ad blockers. Though, in some cases, depending on your location, a VPN, and using your current ad blocker, might prevent you from being blocked as well.
Log out from your account: If you log out from your account and use a VPN and your current ad blocker, every time you log in with a new IP address YouTube will give you three new videos to watch before they block you. This is on the other hand a bit cumbersome if the videos you are watching are short and you have to do this every half an hour.
Clear Browser Cache and Cookies: This is another simple and easy way to try to avoid being blocked by YouTube. Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies can help remove any remaining ads or trackers that your ad-blocker might have missed.
Disable JavaScript: If you are more technical you can try to disable JavaScript on the page. This can help you avoid pop-ups, or your screen freezes while using an ad blocker. To disable it, copy the page ULR click on the three dots, and select settings. In your privacy and security settings click on Site Settings and JavaScript. Next, add ULR under the Not allowed to use JavaScript category and refresh your page.
Will YouTube Continue Block Ad Blockers
It remains to be seen how YouTube’s efforts to block ad blockers will play out in the long run. However, it is clear that the company is determined to find a way to monetize its platform without relying on ads. Follow us here on our site for weekly blogs, guides, and news articles.
