The YouTube ad blocker crackdown that began in 2023 is not yet over, and while the company already effected the changes against these kinds of services, it is now moving against third-party apps that provide this feature. While users on the computer were mostly using extensions or other kinds of apps detected before, this latest crackdown expands more of its policies against ad blocking. 

Previously, users found to use ad blockers were given notices and blocked their streams after watching three videos using such tech. 

YouTube Ad Blocker Crackdown: Now Targeting Third-Party Apps

According to a new Community Update by Team YouTube, a new ad blocker crackdown is taking effect, and this time, it is targeting third-party apps that users still use. The post claimed that ad blocker use still violates YouTube's Terms of Service, and this also includes said apps. 

Viewers who are using these third-party apps may experience buffering issues or see the error "The following content is not available on this app" when trying to watch a video. We want to emphasize that our terms don't allow third-party apps to turn off ads because that prevents the creator from being rewarded for viewership, and Ads on YouTube help support creators and let billions of people around the world use the streaming service. 

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Read Also: YouTube Says Using Ad Blockers Is Against Terms of Service: Should You Pay for Premium?

No Ad Blockers on YouTube, May It Be Extensions or Apps

YouTube claimed that it only allows third-party apps to use its API to bring additional features that help complement more of the platform's use. However, bypassing the platform's ad program is a big 'no' and violates its terms. 

Moreover, YouTube said it will take appropriate action against those who violate their API Services Terms of Service, one that may lead to a shutdown of the app. All forms of ad blockers are still prohibited from using said YouTube, may they be apps or extensions.

YouTube's Ad Blocker Crackdown

Back in June 2023, YouTube first announced its ad blocker crackdown, which went against users on the platform's free version and looked to avert ads.

Initially, YouTube warned users who were using ad blockers on the free version, and this stopped the videos from being streamed three times before the platform eventually blocked all videos. 

Months later, in October of last year, YouTube effected its anti-ad blocker campaign against users who are still utilizing these technologies on a full blast. This meant that users who were caught using ad blockers would be immediately blocked by the platform, no more giving them three chances to comply, and turning off the feature would allow them to continue ad-supported streaming again. 

YouTube reiterated that using ad blockers is against its terms of service and has since pushed people to subscribe to Premium when they wish to skip the ads.

However, not all were entirely compliant and found apps that were initially undetectable by YouTube. The platform is now back with a crackdown against these third-party apps, which block ads shown on the Free version. 

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