YouTube is ramping up its battle against ad blockers, targeting mobile users in a new update. Users who access videos through third-party ad blocking apps may experience buffering issues or encounter an error message stating that the content is not available on the app. This crackdown follows YouTube’s previous efforts to encourage users to watch ads or upgrade to YouTube Premium, including disabling videos for users with ad blocking extensions enabled.
The platform now states that third-party apps are not permitted to turn off ads as it prevents creators from being rewarded for their viewership. This move specifically impacts mobile ad blockers like AdGuard, which allows users to watch videos without interruptions within the app. YouTube emphasizes that third-party apps must adhere to their API Services Terms of Service, and violations will result in appropriate action to protect creators and viewers.
For users looking to bypass the ad restrictions, YouTube once again promotes signing up for the ad-free YouTube Premium subscription. While this may not be well-received by users who rely on ad blocking apps, it seems that YouTube is determined to continue its fight against ad blockers. The platform shows no signs of backing down, reinforcing its commitment to protect its creators and maintain a sustainable platform for all stakeholders involved.