YouTube is reigniting its campaign against ad blockers as the company aims to boost its revenues. The streaming giant has opted for a new tactic, slowing down load times for users who continue to employ ad-blocking solutions.
This latest endeavor is part of YouTube's persistent efforts to encourage users to subscribe to the $14/month Premium tier, offering an ad-free viewing experience.
What YouTube Users Said Recently
In 2023, YouTube announced that users should delete ad blockers as part of its crackdown. Now, some users who are still using them report that there have been a series of slowdowns lately.
Reports from Reddit users, including NightMean, indicate a resurgence of YouTube's anti-ad block campaign.
Users have reported experiencing slower load times, initially mistaken for reduced internet speeds. Subsequent findings suggest that disabling the ad blocker significantly improves load times, prompting speculation about a targeted anti-ad block strategy.
Related Article: YouTube Says Using Ad Blockers Is Against Terms of Service: Should You Pay for Premium?
Slow Loading Times on YouTube
9to5Google conducted its own investigation, confirming the slowdown impact on load times. Buffering issues, challenges in entering full screen or theater mode, and preview loading glitches were among the observed disruptions. However, regional variations were noted, as not all users faced identical issues. The extent of the ad block restrictions might be limited to specific regions for now.
Premium Subscribers Also Affected
Surprisingly, at least one YouTube Premium subscriber reported a similar issue. The connection between the Premium subscription and the ad block slowdown remains unclear, according to Android Police.
A YouTube spokesperson acknowledged the possibility of "suboptimal viewing" for users employing ad blocker back in November. This recent move indicates YouTube's intent to broaden the impact of this behavior.
While some users may currently find ways to bypass the restrictions, YouTube is likely to unveil more measures, compelling users to either disable ad blockers or opt for the Premium subscription.
2023: A Year of Intensified Anti-Ad Block Efforts
In 2023, YouTube escalated its battle against ad blockers, experimenting with various methods to deter their use. From banners prompting users to disable ad block or subscribe to Premium to a more aggressive three-strikes policy, the platform sought effective strategies.
The evolution of tactics, including the recent load time slowdowns, reflects YouTube's determination to find a compelling solution against ad block software.
As a reminder to users in October 2023, YouTube said that it will no longer allow ad-blockers for streaming.
It might be hassle-free to install an ad-blocker, but the days are gone for those who enjoy using it. Since everyone is enjoying streaming videos with no interruption, this is YouTube's way of saying that users should respect what is only on the platform.
Either way, you will be forced to stick with the free version and see all the ads before you finish a video or pay for YouTube Premium for a seamless video watching. Choose your poison between the two.
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