YouTube Enforces More Stringent Measures to Handle Ad-Blockers

Google has been experimenting with methods to address the problem of users employing ad-blockers on its YouTube platform. During early tests, users were informed that ad-blockers were not permitted on YouTube. The notification provided users with three choices. The primary options include adjusting the content blocker settings to allow ads on YouTube or subscribing to the premium service, YouTube Premium.

The third choice is a small close symbol positioned in the top right corner. Users are able to tap on the ‘x’ symbol to close the notification and resume using YouTube.

Nevertheless, it appears that Google is now making this alternative less appealing to users. Instead of instantly displaying the close symbol, YouTube now presents a timer in its place. This entails that users receiving the notification must wait for 30 to 60 seconds before they can dismiss the entire notification and proceed to use the site.

A snapshot of the updated notification was recently posted on Reddit.

Evidently, users using various content blockers, like uBlock Origin, are impacted by these notifications. Nonetheless, it seems that the majority of users are not encountering these notifications, potentially because Google is still evaluating their effectiveness and responsiveness.

Interestingly, YouTube has also integrated the timer into the second notification that Google is currently testing on the platform. Users may also face the stricter notification that declares “video player will be disabled after 3 videos,” which completely bars entry to the video player after viewing three videos.

The initial iteration of this notification featured an instant close button. Nevertheless, the updated version now features the same timer, compelling users to wait for 30 to 60 seconds before being able to shut the notification and start watching the three videos permitted before the restriction sets in.

The third and final notification entirely blocks entry to YouTube and specifies that ad-blockers breach the site’s terms of service.

The recently circulated guidelines for circumventing YouTube’s anti-ad-blocker notifications may no longer be effective, as Google is continually adjusting them.

Users facing these notifications have several options:

• Attempt to watch videos in Incognito Mode with content blocking activated.
• Switch to a different web browser with an integrated ad-blocker, like Brave Browser or Vivaldi, or one with a content blocker extension installed.
• Utilize specialized programs or apps such as VLC Media Player, SMPlayer, FreeTube, YouTube ReVanced, or YouTube apps for Android.
• Explore alternative apps like NewPipe or PeerTube.

Certain content blockers will also receive routine updates to tackle bypassing the latest alerts on YouTube.

Google recently disclosed a hike in the price of YouTube Premium, elevating the monthly subscription fee from $11.99 to $13.99.

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