# YouTube "forbidding" ad blockers. Concerns, if any? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [October 13, 2023, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-forbidding-ad-blockers-concerns-if-any/991493 "2023-10-13T04:54:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![glowacks](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/glowacks/32/5548_2.png) [@glowacks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glowacks)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2023, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-forbidding-ad-blockers-concerns-if-any/991493/81 "2023-10-17T02:42:24Z")
You Tube is now bugging me every video. At least, it’s bugging me on my first video of each session, and I get annoyed and just do something else even though it’s only a 10 second nuisance thing. I wasn’t all that invested in it to begin with - it was just a low effort way to pass the time. Now I’ll just do something else instead. ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2023, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-forbidding-ad-blockers-concerns-if-any/991493/82 "2023-10-17T12:57:41Z")
There is a new Reddit Youtube post out (they come out weekly): [https://www.reddit.com/r/uBlockOrigin/comments/178yasm/youtube\_antiadblock\_and\_ads\_october\_16\_2023/](https://www.reddit.com/r/uBlockOrigin/comments/178yasm/youtube_antiadblock_and_ads_october_16_2023/) @Glowacks: there are a number of methods mentioned in this thread; I think the simplest is just to use incognito/anonymous/private browsing. As @Whack-a-Moles says: > I have found using Incognito (Private Window on Firefox) I don’t have to do that. I log in as me too so I get my recommendations and can comment and whatnot. So far, no fuss at all. ---
**Author:** ![Digger11](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/838e76/32.png) [@Digger11](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digger11)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2023, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-forbidding-ad-blockers-concerns-if-any/991493/83 "2023-10-17T13:44:11Z")
> [@DKW](#): > > Likewise, I didn’t like the idea of the now-vast majority of video content being on a single platform run by a single company for the simple reason that once the massive corporation in charge finally goes bad, it’s going to create global agony. (Think of it as the monotheism problem, except that the higher power actually exists.) I’ve already had issues with the repeatedly rejiggered rating systems, the total inability to block undesired comments and commenters, and the Tiktok-pandering emphasis on shorts. But as long as it was _the video place,_ I had to deal. > [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > With the way youTube treats it’s content providers that play by the rules, I’m shocked there is not another viable alternative service by now. To hear some people talk, one would think that Vimeo didn’t exist. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2023, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-forbidding-ad-blockers-concerns-if-any/991493/84 "2023-10-17T14:02:18Z")
> [@glowacks](#): > > I wasn’t all that invested in it to begin with - it was just a low effort way to pass the time. Now I’ll just do something else instead. The only thing that I am invested in is the plethora of songs that can be found nowhere else, not even on (other) streaming platforms. Many of them I can’t even purchase. The ones that I can purchase I could also get streaming elsewhere. And turning on ads would do nothing for the vast majority of these artists because they are so old and niche that it would be difficult to find them let alone send the money to the proper people. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2023, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-forbidding-ad-blockers-concerns-if-any/991493/85 "2023-10-17T14:36:06Z")
> [@Digger11](#): > > To hear some people talk, one would think that Vimeo didn’t exist. The only time I ever see Vimeo, it’s for music videos. I have no idea if they have other content but if someone told me they only did music, I’d have no reason to doubt them. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2023, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-forbidding-ad-blockers-concerns-if-any/991493/86 "2023-10-17T15:48:37Z")
I follow about a dozen channels and watch via Apple TV, so no ad blocking option there. The ads got so annoying and took up so much time I decided to try a free trial of Premium. The experience was so much nicer I decided it was worth the cost. The price will surely go up eventually, so at some point I’ll have to bail on Premium and suffer through the ads again. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2023, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-forbidding-ad-blockers-concerns-if-any/991493/87 "2023-10-17T17:43:06Z")
I’m holding out to see if they have a “premium only” option for only a few bucks a month like I hear they have in some countries, instead of being forced to get Music-and-Premium for 12+ bucks a month. 3 bucks a month is worth it to me to avoid always having to chase their adblockerblockers. I wonder if this isn’t some conspiracy like some people thought about New Coke, where people were so grateful to have the real thing back that they bought a lot more of it as if that were all part of the plan. I wonder if YT is making it so crappy and expensive on purpose that paying $3 a month will seem like a bargain compared to $15 or so. ---
**Author:** ![echoreply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/echoreply/32/3641_2.png) [@echoreply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/echoreply)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2023, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-forbidding-ad-blockers-concerns-if-any/991493/88 "2023-10-17T18:38:31Z")
> [@Ludovic](#): > > I wonder if this isn’t some conspiracy It is a conspiracy, but not to make you grateful for a new lower price. It is tying the _much_ more popular YouTube video platform to the less popular YouTube music platform. You want ad free videos, so you get premium. No point in staying subscribed to Spotify or Apple Music, as you’re already paying for YouTube music. ---
**Author:** ![Digger11](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/838e76/32.png) [@Digger11](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digger11)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2023, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-forbidding-ad-blockers-concerns-if-any/991493/89 "2023-10-18T04:59:15Z")
I’ve been getting this message off and on. Today, after watching 5 or 6 videos, Youtube flat-out refused to play any more. I experimented with Incognito mode in Firefox, which worked, but did let some ads through. After a bit of that, I went into Firefox’s settings, and deleted the Youtube-specific cookies. I’ve tried a couple videos since then, and (so far) no pop-up has made an appearance. I’m sure it will come back at some point, though. ---
**Author:** ![Terminus\_Est](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terminus_est/32/3087_2.png) [@Terminus\_Est](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terminus_Est)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2023, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-forbidding-ad-blockers-concerns-if-any/991493/90 "2023-10-18T05:06:01Z")
Apparently, if you’re using Microsoft Edge with “Strict” tracking protection, YouTube may detect it as an ad-blocker and block you accordingly. [Google detects Microsoft Edge strict protection as YouTube ad-blocker on Windows 11 (windowslatest.com)](https://www.windowslatest.com/2023/10/10/google-blocks-youtube-in-windows-11-microsoft-edge-with-strict-tracking-protection/) ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2023, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-forbidding-ad-blockers-concerns-if-any/991493/91 "2023-10-18T05:14:30Z")
Did someone say “Private Browsing”? > **[Private Browsing Has Seen Too Much! | Mock The Week](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5VEftRH12Y%2F)** > > 'You weren't there! You didn't see what I saw!'#MockTheWeek #DaraÓBriain #BestMomentsSeries 13, Episode 11.Watch the funniest Mock The Week moments here! We'... ---
**Author:** ![Mijin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mijin/32/9369_2.png) [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2023, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-forbidding-ad-blockers-concerns-if-any/991493/92 "2023-10-18T05:37:53Z")
I’m a bit conflicted on this. I agree with all the ways YouTube sucks. I agree that ads on YouTube are too loud and too numerous on some channels / some regions. But if I owned YouTube, you bet I’d want to block ad-blockers. Can you imagine trying to sell ad space? “Well only 20% of users will see the ad, due to ad blockers, but you’re still reaching a lot of people! Unless they install ad blockers too”. It’s not like YouTube is the only site trying to force users to see ads right now. Maybe the blocker I have on my phone is a happy medium? It just mutes the sound and presses the skip button as soon as it appears. So I still might occasionally glance at an ad (I continue to have **never** seen a product of interest to me though) ---
**Author:** ![Hypno-Toad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b2d939/32.png) [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2023, 12:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-forbidding-ad-blockers-concerns-if-any/991493/93 "2023-10-18T12:27:10Z")
I’m all in favor of the ad-blockers, personally. Not just for their immediate benefit, but also for the **potential** benefit of getting internet websites to tone down the ads. I don’t mind a few banners at the top of the page or the like. But the Vegas-strip-style deluge of animated ads that track along as you scroll that only go away for a few seconds if you click the “X,” or are repeated ad nauseum down the length of the page is Just. Too. Much. If they would keep the intrusiveness of the ads to a lower level, I would have no issues. I’m hoping YT at least gets the message and switches to a lower impact advertising regime. ---
**Author:** ![ratatoskK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ratatoskk/32/2987_2.png) [@ratatoskK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ratatoskK)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2023, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-forbidding-ad-blockers-concerns-if-any/991493/94 "2023-10-18T17:32:32Z")
I just want to thank everyone for their ideas. YouTube forbids Adblock Plus, so I’m going to try one or more of the other methods suggested above. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2023, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-forbidding-ad-blockers-concerns-if-any/991493/95 "2023-10-18T17:39:33Z")
I think it’s weird that they’re doing this now, because I would have guessed that fewer and fewer people watch YouTube on their computers, rather they stream it on their phones, tablets, or smart devices, none of which really have an adblock capability. Not people on this site, but in the real world, of course. ---
**Author:** ![Latimera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/latimera/32/497_2.png) [@Latimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Latimera)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2023, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-forbidding-ad-blockers-concerns-if-any/991493/96 "2023-10-18T18:40:06Z")
I was getting the pop-ups saying adblockers were verboten. I use Ablock plus. Based on what I learned from this thread, I went to the settings for Adblock and clicked “allow in incognito” on. Now, when I want to watch a video, I open YouTube, choose a video, right click it and open it in Incognito. Working well so far… ---
**Author:** ![rowrrbazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rowrrbazzle/32/414_2.png) [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2023, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-forbidding-ad-blockers-concerns-if-any/991493/97 "2023-10-19T03:04:58Z")
uBlock works fine for Firefox. I use MS Edge for a few things, and I still get a warning every time I open a Youtube video in a new tab. But after that, no additional messages. > [@Jophiel](#): > > One thing I miss is that my old YouTube-specific blocker removed the obnoxious “other video” cards that pop-up at the end and obscure half the screen while the video is still playing. This setup doesn’t do that. Such is the burden of the ad-evading miscreant, I suppose This. And most new videos _still_ don’t have a trailer over which the 4 suggestions can display without hiding the end of the video. Ah well. ---
**Author:** ![zbuzz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/e19b73/32.png) [@zbuzz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zbuzz)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2023, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-forbidding-ad-blockers-concerns-if-any/991493/98 "2023-10-19T03:11:05Z")
> [@RitterSport](#): > > I would have guessed that fewer and fewer people watch YouTube on their computers, rather they stream it on their phones, tablets, or smart devices, none of which really have an adblock capability. Tablets, smartphones, etc all have robust ad blocking extensions available. edit Oh, I guess maybe you are referring to using the YouTube app on mobile devices which wouldn’t be affected by the ad blocking browser extensions. Does the YouTube app offer an experience that is that much better than just using the website? ---
**Author:** ![Mijin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mijin/32/9369_2.png) [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2023, 6:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-forbidding-ad-blockers-concerns-if-any/991493/99 "2023-10-19T06:34:31Z")
> [@zbuzz](#): > > Oh, I guess maybe you are referring to using the YouTube app on mobile devices which wouldn’t be affected by the ad blocking browser extensions. > > Does the YouTube app offer an experience that is that much better than just using the website? Yes in some ways. For example the app seems smarter about going fullscreen when you have lock orientation on. Just little things like this but there are enough little things that I only use the app on my phone. And I have an ad blocker of sorts that works with the app. It doesn’t block per se, but it mutes the sound and automatically hits skip as soon as it appears. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2023, 10:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-forbidding-ad-blockers-concerns-if-any/991493/100 "2023-10-19T10:55:17Z")
> [@zbuzz](#): > > Oh, I guess maybe you are referring to using the YouTube app on mobile devices which wouldn’t be affected by the ad blocking browser extensions. Yes, exactly. The experience is better enough that I don’t bother opening videos in Firefox on my phone. And, of course, on a Chromecast or smart TV, there are no options that I know of. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-forbidding-ad-blockers-concerns-if-any/991493.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-forbidding-ad-blockers-concerns-if-any/991493.md?page=6)