While YouTube ads are a great source of income for creators, they are a nuisance for viewers. A lot of people use ad-blocker add ons on their browsers that also work for YouTube ads.
All of this impacts YouTube earnings hence the company has expanded its campaign against ad-blockers by preventing users with such add-ons from accessing videos on the platform.
YouTube had started this crackdown as early as June and has now expanded it to more areas.
Now YouTube is asking users to either permit ads or consider using YouTube Premium when attempting to watch content. Multiple users have reported being unable to view videos on YouTube due to this initiative.
According to a report by The Verge, which cites Christopher Lawton, the communications manager at YouTube, that the use of ad-blockers on the platform goes against its terms of service.
If you watch videos on YouTube with ad-blocker enabled, you’ll get a pop-up message:
“It looks like you may be using an ad blocker. Video playback is blocked unless YouTube is allowlisted or the ad blocker is disabled.
Ads allow YouTube to be used by billions worldwide.
You can go ad-free with YouTube Premium, and creators can still get paid from your subscription.”
Lawton said that ads play a vital role in sustaining a diverse community of creators worldwide and enable billions to enjoy their beloved content on YouTube.
Advertising makes for the primary revenue source of YouTube. Features like Super Chat, channel memberships, and merchandise aid content creators in earning, YouTube generates revenue primarily through advertising, in addition to income from YouTube Premium subscriptions.
Earlier this year, YouTube introduced various initiatives to promote ad-monetisation, urging users to either watch advertisements or sign up for YouTube Premium.I
In May, the platform unveiled unskippable 30-second ads for its TV app.