In recent years, YouTube has become an integral part of our online experience, offering a vast library of videos spanning various genres. However, the unavoidable presence of ads can sometimes disrupt the seamless streaming experience.
As we step into 2024, the quest to enjoy uninterrupted videos has become more fervent than ever. Thus, blocking YouTube ads is an incredible means to enjoy YouTube viewing without any interruptions and many people are looking for viable ways to achieve this.
Fortunately, technology evolves, and so do the methods to enhance our online encounters. While legitimate methods such as YouTube Premium offer a straightforward solution, various third-party tools and techniques exist for users who prefer not to subscribe.
This article explores the various YouTube ad-blocking techniques that you may consider for 2024 and beyond.
Understanding YouTube Ads
YouTube has a vast array of content ranging from educational tutorials to music and entertainment shows. However, this immersive experience often comes with a trade-off – the unavoidable prevalence of ads.
Understanding the nature of YouTube ads is crucial for those seeking a more seamless and uninterrupted viewing experience in 2024. Notably, these ads come in various types, including;
- Display ads: Appears above the suggestions and to the right of the feature video on your screen.
- Overlay ads: Pop up at the bottom of the video.
- Skippable Video ads: Allow viewers to skip after a few seconds.
- Non-skippable Video ads: Play before the video. You cannot skip these ads and you have to wait until they end for your video to play.
- Bumper ads: Short and non-skippable.
- Sponsored Cards: Display relevant content alongside the video.
While these ads serve as a revenue stream for content creators, they can disrupt the viewing experience for users. The incessant interruption of content with ads, especially those that cannot be skipped, can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction among viewers.
YouTube’s ad policies strictly prohibit the use of ad-blockers, as they undermine the platform’s revenue model. However, users continue to seek ways to circumvent these interruptions, leading to a perpetual cat-and-mouse game between content creators, advertisers, and users.
Popular Ad-Blocking Techniques
As YouTube evolves, so do the methods used to deliver and block ads. As of 2024, you can still rely on the following methods to enjoy YouTube content without annoying ads:
1. YouTube Premium Subscription
YouTube Premium is YouTube’s official subscription service, designed to enhance the user experience. It offers an ad-free environment, allowing users to enjoy content seamlessly without interruptions.
Subscribing to YouTube Premium ensures that you directly support your favorite content creators through the platform.
While YouTube Premium comes at a cost, it has various advantages. For example, it enables you to download videos for offline viewing, perfect for those times you are out of the internet.
It also allows you to gain access to YouTube Originals, a collection of exclusive content, including movies, series, and documentaries. Even more, you can listen to videos with the screen off or while using other apps, a feature that is not available without a subscription.
As of 2024, YouTube Premium has over 80 million paid subscribers globally, including both YouTube Music and Premium services.
2. Browser Extensions and Plugins
Notably, browser extensions and plugins have become the go-to tools for many users looking to enjoy uninterrupted YouTube content. These extensions are designed to intercept, block, or skip ads, providing a smoother viewing journey.
They are available for popular browsers, among the top browser extensions include:
AdBlock
AdBlock is a veteran in the ad-blocking scene, offering a robust solution to eliminate intrusive ads on YouTube. It effectively blocks various ad formats, enhancing the user experience. With over 60 million users across various browsers, AdBlock is a widely adopted choice.
AdBlock is free, but they offer AdBlock Premium, a subscription-based service that removes sponsored messages and provides additional customization options.
Key features:
- Blocks all YouTube ads irrespective of the type
- Easy to install and use
- Supports custom filters
- Open source
uBlock Origin
Known for its efficiency and minimal resource usage, uBlock Origin is a lightweight extension that effectively blocks ads on YouTube, allowing for a smoother video streaming experience. uBlock Origin is best for simplified ad-blocking.
It boasts over 50 million active users and stands out as a popular choice for those seeking a streamlined ad-blocking solution. This is free and open-source, reflecting its commitment to user accessibility.
Key Features:
- Extensive Ad Blocking and can block all types of ads
- Advanced customization capabilities
- Resource Efficiency hence ideal for those minimizing space usage
- Open-Source and Transparent
AdBlocker for YouTube
AdBlocker for YouTube is another solution for removing annoying ads from YouTube. This add-on is compatible with Firefox desktop and mobile (Android) and has a user base of over 100,000 users.
Notably, this extension stands out as a dedicated YouTube ad-blocker. AdBlocker for YouTube is a simpler option that is still very effective at blocking ads.
Key features:
- Easy to install and use
- Lightweight and does not slow down your browser
- Free and open-source
AdGuard
AdGuard is a versatile ad-blocking extension that effectively removes ads on YouTube. It offers users a customizable and seamless browsing experience. With a user base exceeding 10 million, AdGuard is a popular choice for those looking for an all-encompassing ad-blocking solution.
AdGuard offers a free version and a premium version with additional features. Whichever option you go for, AdGuard is a perfect choice for personalized ad-blocking.
The free version blocks YouTube ads, pop-ups, and trackers. On the other hand, the pro version offers more aggressive ad-blocking capabilities, additional filters, anti-malware scans, and parental controls.
Key Features:
- Effectively counters all forms of intrusive ads
- Safeguards your online privacy by blocking trackers and scripts
- Offers granular control over website content
- It allows you to whitelist specific channels that you want to support
- Provides extensive customization options
- Offers an optional DNS service that takes ad blocking to the next level
StopAd
StopAd is a comprehensive ad-blocking solution that extends its reach to YouTube, blocking ads and pop-ups to create a distraction-free environment. Boasting a user base of over 1 million, StopAd is gaining traction among users seeking an effective ad-blocker.
StopAd offers a free version and a premium version with added features like app blocking and personalized customer support. With its cross-platform compatibility and extensive blocking capabilities, StopAd empowers users to control their online privacy and enjoy seamless ad-free browsing.
Key Features:
- Blocks all ad categories
- Blocks trackers and data collectors
- You can always choose the channels you intend to whitelist and support
- StopAd is available for a wide range of devices
- Protects you from malware
Surfshark CleanWeb
Surfshark CleanWeb is a VPN service that also offers ad-blocking features. It is compatible with all major browsers.
Interestingly, Surfshark CleanWeb has a user base of over 5 million users is part of the Surfshark VPN suite, and is only accessible through a paid subscription.
Key Features:
- Allows cross-platform compatibility
- Can block all types of YouTube ads
- Seamlessly integrates with the Surfshark VPN service
- Lightweight and doesn’t significantly impact browser performance
- Allows you to customize your browsing experience
NordVPN Threat Protection
NordVPN Threat Protection is a comprehensive security suite that includes an ad blocker specifically designed to block ads on YouTube and other websites.
It offers a robust set of features that make it a top choice for those seeking a private and ad-free online experience. Interestingly, it is also part of the NordVPN Suite which features over 51 million active users.
Key Features:
- Offers comprehensive privacy protection
- Can block ads from YouTube, websites, and other platforms
- Guarantees privacy protection by detecting and blocking malicious websites
- Comes with several customization options
- Available for a wide range of devices
Fair AdBlocker
Fair Adblocker is a free and open-source ad blocker for various browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. It is known for its effectiveness in blocking ads on YouTube, as well as its focus on privacy and security.
Fair AdBlocker not only blocks ads on YouTube but also prides itself on its ethical approach. It stands out for its ability to allow users to support their favorite websites through non-intrusive ads.
Besides, Fair AdBlocker is free, aligning with its commitment to fair and ethical ad-blocking practices.
Key Features:
- Effectively blocks all forms of intrusive ads on YouTube
- Offers reliable privacy protection capabilities
- Fair Adblocker does not track your browsing activity
- It is an open-source project
Poper Blocker
Poper Blocker focuses on eliminating pop-ups and overlays. This feature ensures that you enjoy an uncluttered YouTube experience by intelligently blocking intrusive elements.
Poper Blocker takes pride in focusing on blocking pop-up ads on YouTube and boasts over 500,000 users. It’s free and accessible to users across various browsers.
Key Features:
- Specializes in blocking pop-ads
- Can also block banner ads and video ads
- It is pretty light-weight and resource-efficient
- Compatible with various browsers
Ghostery
Ghostery goes beyond ad-blocking by providing detailed insights into trackers on websites, allowing users to control their online privacy. With over 100 million users, Ghostery is a popular choice for those interested in comprehensive privacy and ad-blocking features.
Ghostery offers a free version with essential features and a premium version, Ghostery Plus, which includes advanced privacy features and enhanced browsing speeds.
Key Features:
- Ghostery Panel allows you to see data trackers from the websites you visit
- Provides an Acceptable Ads initiative
- It is an open-source extension
3. Standalone Third-Party Applications
When it comes to ad-blocking, standalone applications offer an alternative approach beyond browser extensions. These applications often provide a comprehensive solution for users seeking to block ads across various platforms, including YouTube. Notable examples include;
AdGuard (Application)
AdGuard extends its ad-blocking prowess beyond browser extensions. This standalone application goes beyond browser-level blocking, providing comprehensive ad filtering across applications and websites.
With millions of users globally, AdGuard is a trusted choice for its versatility and effectiveness. AdGuard offers a free version, as well as premium plans with additional features such as DNS filtering and parental controls. Available for
Key Features:
- Blocks all types of YouTube ads
- Comes with exciting customizable filters
- AdGuard operates in real-time
- AdGuard is available for all devices and operating systems
Pi-Hole
Pi-hole is a network-wide ad-blocker that acts as a DNS sinkhole. Thus, it blocks ads at the network level before they even reach your devices. Notably, you can run this ad blocker on a Raspberry Pi or any Linux server.
It Pi-hole has gained popularity among tech-savvy users, with a community of enthusiasts contributing to its open-source development. Notably, Pi-hole is free and open-source, aligning with its community-driven ethos.
Key Features:
- It blocks ads on all devices within your network connection
- Safeguards your privacy by preventing any phishing attempts
- Supports a variety of third-party blocking lists
AdWay
AdAway is an Android-specific ad blocker that operates at the system level, blocking ads across apps and browsers without requiring root access. It caters to Android users seeking a comprehensive ad-blocking solution, with thousands of users benefiting from its capabilities.
AdAway is free, providing Android users with an accessible system-wide ad-blocking solution.
Key Features:
- Only compatible with Android devices
- Can safeguard your online privacy by blocking trackers
- Offers extensive customization options
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Following are some of the Frequently Asked Questions.
1. Why Should I block YouTube ads?
Blocking YouTube ads can provide several benefits, including:
- Improved Browsing Experience: Ads can be intrusive and disrupt the user experience, making it difficult to enjoy the content on YouTube.
- Faster Page Load Times: Ads can slow down the page load times of your YouTube videos or content.
- Increased Privacy: Ads can track user data and behavior. Of course, this often comes as a privacy concern for many users.
- Reduced Data Usage: Ads can consume a significant amount of data, which can be costly if you have a limited data plan.
- Supporting Content Creators: Some ad blockers, such as AdBlock, offer an option to allow ads on favorite channels, making it easy to support content creators.
- Customization Options: Ad-blockers such as AdGuard provide powerful tools to customize how you block ads on YouTube, including the ability to whitelist channels while still blocking ads.
Blocking YouTube ads can provide a more enjoyable and efficient browsing experience while also protecting user privacy and reducing data usage.
2. What are the best ways to block YouTube ads?
Here are some popular methods and tools for blocking YouTube ads:
- AdBlock Browser Extension: AdBlock is a widely used browser extension that effectively blocks YouTube ads, providing a seamless viewing experience. It also offers an option to allow ads on favorite channels, making it simple to support content creators.
- Standalone Programs/Third-Party Applications: Standalone ad-blocking programs, such as AdGuard and Pi-Hole, are not dependent on browsers and can block ads in all browsers and programs, providing a comprehensive ad-blocking solution.
- YouTube Premium: Subscribing to YouTube Premium is an official and the most legal way to block ads on YouTube. It offers an ad-free experience, access to YouTube Music, and other additional services. However, it is a paid subscription and may not block all types of ads, such as content-embedded ads.
- VPN Services: Some VPN services, like NordVPN Threat Protection and Surfshark CleanWeb, offer ad-blocking features that can be effective in blocking YouTube ads.
- Mobile Ad-Blocker Apps: For mobile devices, there are ad-blocker apps available on the Google Play Store and the App Store, such as AdGuard, AdLock, and AdBlock, which can be used to block ads on the YouTube app.
These methods and tools provide users with options to effectively block YouTube ads based on their preferences and the devices they use.
3. Can I block ads on YouTube without an ad-blocker?
Yes, you can block ads on YouTube without an ad blocker. One way to do this is by using YouTube Premium, which offers an ad-free experience on any device, along with access to additional services like YouTube Music and video downloads. However, it is a paid subscription and may not block all types of ads, such as content-embedded ads.
Another option is to use regular ad-blocking software, which can block ads not just on YouTube but in other apps and browsers as well. This method provides a more comprehensive ad-blocking solution beyond just YouTube. Additionally, some VPN services and standalone ad-blocking programs can also effectively block ads on YouTube.
4. How do I block YouTube ads on my mobile device?
Blocking YouTube ads on mobile devices can be done using various methods and tools. Here are some popular ways to block YouTube ads on mobile devices:
- AdGuard: AdGuard is a comprehensive ad-blocking solution that can be used to block YouTube ads on both Android and iOS devices. It is available as a standalone app and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or the App Store. AdGuard blocks all types of ads, including video ads, banner ads, and pop-ups.
- Mobile Ad-Blocker Apps: For mobile devices, there are ad-blocker apps available on the Google Play Store and the App Store, such as AdGuard, AdLock, and AdBlock, which can be used to block ads on the YouTube app.
- YouTube Premium: Subscribing to YouTube Premium is an official way to block ads on YouTube. It offers an ad-free experience, access to YouTube Music, and other additional services. However, it is a paid subscription and may not block all types of ads, such as content-embedded ads
5. Is it legal to block ads on YouTube?
Blocking ads on YouTube is a contentious issue, and the legality of doing so is a topic of debate. According to YouTube’s Terms of Service, using ad blockers violates their terms. The company prefers that you sign up for YouTube Premium or allow ads.
YouTube’s owner, Google, relies heavily on advertising for revenue, so the platform is motivated to restrict ad blockers.
However, the use of ad blockers is not illegal in itself, but it may violate the terms of service of the platform. Users who wish to support content creators while still blocking ads may consider options such as YouTube Premium, which offers an ad-free experience and supports creators through alternative means.
Conclusion
Blocking YouTube ads in 2024 is no longer a new phenomenon for those looking for an interrupted experience. While legitimate methods such as YouTube Premium offer a straightforward solution, various third-party tools and techniques exist for users who prefer not to subscribe.
It’s important to approach ad-blocking cautiously, considering the potential violations of terms of service and the dynamic nature of online platforms like YouTube. Users should stay informed about changes in YouTube’s policies and the effectiveness of different ad-blocking methods to ensure a seamless and ethical viewing experience.
As technology evolves, so too will the methods available to users seeking to block YouTube ads, making it essential to stay updated on the latest developments in the ever-changing landscape of online content consumption.
Hi @Winnie Achieng. Any new updates with the latest version of YouTube that rolled out on the 30th of January?
This also works well: https://iamjeeves.info/Tech+Tips/YouTube+Ad+Skip+Button
Quoted below:
Thank you Rob for posting this on PasteBin: https://pastebin.com/XXyuwkXp
This is a simple fix to the necessary ad spam on YouTube.
To use, follow the instruction below:
Right-click in your toolbar and select “Add page…” or “Add Bookmark…”
Enter “YT AdSkip” for the name
Paste the single-line version of the code below as the URL
Save the button
Now, when you see an ad on YouTube, press the button. It will do what’s needed to entirely skip the ad.
Single-line version to use as the link for your button
javascript:(( ) => { const v = document.querySelector('video'); if (v) { v.currentTime = v.duration; } const b = document.querySelector('button.ytp-ad-skip-button-modern'); if (b) { b.click(); } })(); formatted version for your review javascript:(( ) => { const v = document.querySelector('video'); if (v) { v.currentTime = v.duration; } const b = document.querySelector('button.ytp-ad-skip-button-modern'); if (b) { b.click(); } })();