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Google Purportedly Decelerating YouTube Video Buffering For Users Who Block Ads
As per reports, Google may have implemented a fresh approach to dissuade ad-blocking tools on YouTube. This latest measure appears to be impacting the pace at which videos load on the platform, following earlier actions like delaying video loading for users with ad blockers and displaying messages discouraging their use.
Observers have noticed that video buffering on YouTube is now proceeding at a slower rate than usual, potentially leading to disruptions in video playback as the buffer attempts to retrieve more content to enable smooth playback renewal.
Even individuals with high-speed internet connections have encountered this issue. Some have come to realize that deactivating the ad-blocking software restores normal buffering.
Google has yet to acknowledge this concern. The previous measures impacted only a portion of ad-blocking users on YouTube and not the overall user base.
To determine if you are encountering this problem, endeavor to play a video on YouTube and monitor the buffering process. If the loading appears tardy or delayed, you could be among those affected. Impacted users will witness the video halting until the buffer catches up.
One method to validate if Google is intentionally decelerating the video buffering is to disable the content blocker and attempt to play the video.
It appears that even YouTube Premium subscribers are experiencing this difficulty if they employ an ad blocker. Disabling the ad blocker on YouTube should rectify this problem for them as well.
Measures you can undertake
For users impacted by this circumstance, there are several potential solutions beyond purchasing YouTube Premium or discontinuing YouTube usage.
It is vital to ensure that only one ad blocker is operational in the browser, as using multiple ad blockers might lead to conflicts.
Transitioning to another browser or utilizing incognito mode could provide a temporary remedy. Google is presently trialing the feature, so other configurations may not be influenced by the test.
Alternatively, users can explore different ad-skipping utilities. Browser extensions like Ad Accelerator or Ad Speedup aim to skip or hasten through ads instead of blocking them. This approach is not technically perceived as blocking and may evade detection as content blocking.
Another option is to utilize ad-free, privacy-oriented YouTube interfaces such as Invidious, or applications like NewPipe or Skytube, which enable access to YouTube’s full video library devoid of advertisements.
Image Source: Alex Yeung/Shutterstock
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