YouTube is introducing a major change for viewers using the ad blocker while playing videos. The company has started a “small global experiment” inviting users with ad blockers enabled to allow ads on YouTube or try YouTube Premiumblocking playback.
YouTube stops videos from ad blockers
The confirmation comes from a spokesperson on The Verge, after some people reported a new warning warning that the video playback may be interrupted if frequent use of ad blockers is detected. Android Authority also reported on previous tests that prevented viewers from watching more than three videos when an ad blocker was turned on.
Oluwa Falodun, a Google spokesperson, confirmed via email to The Verge that the detection of ad blockers this is nothing new, and many other publishers routinely ask viewers to disable such tools. YouTube points out that users will receive more notifications encouraging them to stop using ad blockers or, alternatively, to subscribe to YouTube Premium.
YouTube will then disable the display only if viewers ignore repeated requests to allow ads on YouTube. But if the user isn’t actually using the ad blocker, he can ask about it via a prompt in the alert.
These measures indicate that YouTube is taking a stricter stance towards ad blockers and justifies this move by pointing out the importance of commercials in guaranteeing compensation for creators for their content and to keep the platform free.
However, the push for premium membership underscores that YouTube’s focus isn’t just on creators, but on the company’s revenue as well.