YouTube tests timer for ad blockers
It was announced back in June that YouTube wanted to ban ad blockers from its own platform. Now the video service is getting serious and testing concrete measures.
YouTube Premium has been available in Switzerland since November 2018. For a monthly fee of 15.90 francs, you can watch ad-free YouTube videos and use the audio streaming service YouTube Music in Switzerland. The latter is also available as a single subscription for 12.90 per month.
An ad blocker can also help you to avoid adverts. Although this actually violates the YouTube terms of use. In June, YouTube announced that it wanted to take action against this. This is now becoming more concrete.
Source: Futurezone
The video service is currently testing an ad detector. If you are using an ad blocker, a pop-up will appear informing you that this is not permitted.
The banner covers the video window and pauses it. You then have the choice of whether you want to allow the adverts or start the YouTube Premium test phase.
From hint to compulsion
This is the next step in YouTube's fight against ad blockers. A similar pop-up has been displayed since the end of June, but only as a hint. You were still able to watch up to three videos before the banner appeared again. This is no longer possible for participants in the new test phase.
Source: Reddit
The current test phase is only being carried out with a small group. This test became known because a user reported it on Reddit. It is currently not clear when a large-scale test or even a general roll-out of this function is planned. YouTube has not yet communicated a binding schedule in this regard.
Prices in Switzerland
In addition to the individual subscription, there are two other models. Students pay 9.50 francs per month for the same service as the individual subscription. You must provide proof of this every year
Source: Florian Bodoky
There is also a family tariff. For 23.50 francs a month, up to five people have access to YouTube Premium and YouTube Music.
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.