Diksia.com - YouTube has started testing video opt-out for users still using the ad blocking feature.
YouTube is conducting a global “mini-experiment” with its entire audience using Ad Blocker.
Then, users who turn on the ad blocking feature will receive a notification about permission to advertise on YouTube or try YouTube Premium.
This notification appears after some people see a new alert that video playback may stop.
This applies if YouTube detects the repeated use of ad blockers.
Reddit user Reddit_n_Me, quoted by Android Authority, points to a warning from YouTube to users who have activated the ad block.
The warning states that users who watched the video three times with Ad Block will have their video viewing stopped.
“It looks like you’re using an ad blocker. Video playback will be blocked unless YouTube is allowed or ad blocking is disabled,” the warning reads.
After that, users are presented with two options: they will be asked to allow ads in their ad blocker or allow them to purchase YouTube Premium.
Google spokesman Oluwa Falodun told The Verge that ad blocker detection is nothing new.
Not only YouTube, according to Faludun, but also other publishers regularly asked users to deactivate ad blockers.
“We take playback very seriously and will only disable playback if viewers ignore repeated requests to allow advertising on YouTube,” Falodun said.
“If viewers feel they have been incorrectly flagged for using an ad blocker, they can provide feedback by clicking the link in the prompt,” he continued.
These moves show that YouTube is stepping up its stance on ad blockers.
According to YouTube, all of these commercials are important for content creators to receive compensation for their content.
“YouTube’s ad-supported model supports a diverse ecosystem of creators and provides billions of people around the world with free access to ad-enriched content,” reads a YouTube statement.
YouTube has increasingly tested its users’ patience by experimenting with higher ad loads in recent years.
Last September 2022, in another attempt, the company delivered up to 10 non-skippable clips during a commercial break.
Meanwhile, in May 2023, YouTube announced that 30-second ads would appear on the TV platform.
That’s why YouTube introduced its YouTube Premium feature.
Last November, the company announced that it had surpassed 80 million subscribers across YouTube Premium and YouTube Music combined.
“We want to let our viewers know that ad blocking violates YouTube’s Terms of Service and make it easier for them to allow advertising on YouTube or try YouTube Premium for an ad-free experience,” YouTube said.
