News + Trends
YouTube tests timer for ad blockers
by Florian Bodoky
YouTube launches worldwide video blocking for adblockers
1.11.2023
Translation: machine translated
YouTube is pushing back against adblockers on the tube. Adblocker users are increasingly being shown a reference to YouTube's terms of use on the platform. Unteachable users are even increasingly being blocked.
YouTube seems to be increasingly fed up with ad blockers. After testing anti-adblock measures in the summer, the video platform is now stepping up its efforts worldwide. This was confirmed by YouTube Communications Manager Christopher Lawton at the request of the news platform The Verge. He calls the endeavour a "global effort". The reason for further action is that simply pointing out the breach of the terms of use has not been successful.
If you use an ad blocker, YouTube will now display a banner before the video - this informs you that you are violating the terms of use. The video continues to play in the background - but you can barely see it. You then have the choice of deactivating the ad blocker or purchasing a YouTube Premium plan. This enables ad-free playback of videos and gives you access to YouTube Music.
Source: Futurzone
If you repeatedly try to access YouTube with an active ad blocker, you may even be blocked. This means that no more videos can be played until you deactivate the ad blocker or purchase a Premium plan. YouTube is not yet able to block all users at all times. However, the complaints on Reddit and the steep curve in Google Trends show a clear increase.
Adverts are getting more and longer - the premium subscription more expensive
It's pretty obvious that YouTube would like you to take out a premium subscription. Even better than simply allowing adverts. Meanwhile, there are experiments with unskippable 30-second adverts in the app. And also generally longer adverts, albeit less frequently.
Source: AndroidAuthority
The prices for YouTube Premium are not bad at all. A single membership costs 15.90 francs / 11.99 euros per month. 23.90 francs / 17.99 euros for a family account of up to five members in the same household and 9.50 / 6.99 euros if you can prove you are still studying.
Cover image: Shutterstock
I've been tinkering with digital networks ever since I found out how to activate both telephone channels on the ISDN card for greater bandwidth. As for the analogue variety, I've been doing that since I learned to talk. Though Winterthur is my adoptive home city, my heart still bleeds red and blue.
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