YouTube Fights Back Against Ad-Blockers

Well, It’s official. If you’ve been using YouTube lately with an ad-blocker you’ve likely noticed YouTube’s been ramping up it’s anti-adblock rhetoric. And it’s not just talk. Reports of popups powered by YouTube are pummeling users using ad-blockers on their site.

And who’s to blame them. These days, we’re inundated with the triple-double ad combo at the beginning and end of every monetized video, and boy it looks like it’s just getting started. In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at this conundrum and explain: 

• What’s Happening With YouTube’s Ad Block Crusade?

• What Does it Mean For Your Channel and Revenue?

• Unique Ways You Can Keep Watching Ad-Free YouTube

• How to Make YouTube Videos People Watch Despite Ads

Let’s take a look!

What’s Happening With YouTube’s Ad Block Crusade?

While researching online we’ve seen numerous reports via forum posts about YouTube interrupting people’s viewing experience with strongly-worded pop ups like this one seen below:

First giving a user 3 strikes, then blocking the video player function completely:

This move by YouTube and the backlash which Daily Dot’s writer found out when they reached out to a YouTube Spokesperson for comment on their reasoning behind this.

Their response?

“The use of ad blockers violates YouTube’s Terms of Service… we’ve launched a global effort to urge viewers with ad blockers enabled to allow ads on YouTube or try YouTube Premium for an ad-free experience.” 

After referencing a less-than-glamorous revenue report, we believe YouTube’s end game is to push viewers into buying YouTube Premium to bolster their future recurring revenue numbers and keep shareholders happy. But how will this affect your channel?

What Does It Mean For Your Channel?

On the bright side, the blocking of ads is a boon to monetized YouTube channel creators.

Monetized creators could see:

• Slight alterations in your monetization patterns. - Ex. steadier revenue during higher or lower earning months. 

• Potentially higher earnings for channels with long-form content that retains viewers, as YouTube will now optimize ad placements for viewer engagement and retention. 

• Less control over your viewers' experience and the presence of more frequent or non-skippable ads.

Yes, that's right. YouTube will be putting their hands in your ad placement process. It's likely to combat backlash like this:

Unique Ways You Can Surpass YouTube’s Ad Block Crack Down

Ad blockers function by identifying and blocking requests to load content that they recognize as ads. They scan and filter out specified patterns that are associated with advertising from the code before it can even load and display on your screen. This means that typical ad elements like banners, video ads, and tracking scripts are stopped in their tracks, creating a cleaner and often faster browsing experience for the user.

However, YouTube can detect ad blockers through many different sophisticated methods. One of the most common techniques involves YouTube using JavaScript to determine if the digital signatures of ads, which are usually rendered alongside video content, are being altered or blocked. If YouTube's system detects that these ad elements are not loading as they should, it may conclude that an ad blocker is in use.

To get around this, we checked the net for some working alternative solutions active in November 2023:

1. Using uBlock Origin:

   • First, ensure uBlock Origin is your exclusive ad-blocking extension to prevent conflicts.

   • Clear the cache in uBlock to remove outdated rules: Open the uBlock dashboard, go to the "Filter lists" tab, and click "Purge all caches" followed by "Update now."

   • Enjoy ad-free YouTube viewing. Install from the Chrome Web Store.

2. Switching to Adblock Ultimate:

   • Remove any current ad blockers to avoid interference.

   • Head to the Chrome Web Store and search for "Adblock Ultimate" — look for the one with the Hedgehog icon.

   • Add it to Chrome and confirm any prompts to install the extension.

   • Restart your browser to activate the extension.

   • Watch YouTube without ads. Get it here.

3. Opting for YouTube Premium:

   • For an uninterrupted experience, consider subscribing to YouTube Premium.

   • This service removes ads across all devices and includes additional benefits like background play and access to YouTube Music.

   • Sign up for YouTube Premium here.

Crafting Engaging YouTube Content That Captivates Beyond Ads

When it comes to YouTube, creating content that holds a viewer's attention even through ad interruptions is both an art and a strategy. To make your videos irresistible, we tell our clients and readers to always focus on delivering value-packed content right from the start. Remember, consistency is key in building a loyal viewership—when viewers are invested in your content, they're more likely to stay tuned in, ads or no ads and even interact with your brand. If you're aiming to make your videos not just a passive watch but an interactive experience, check out our YouTube Content Enhancement Services today.

Learn more:

The Biggest YouTube Marketing Mistakes Brands Love to Make

The 5 Elements Required For Growing a Corporate YouTube Channel