YouTube’s New Tactic: Slowing Videos for Ad-Block Users?

YouTube appears to be escalating its battle against ad blockers. Users are reporting significantly slower video loading times when using ad-blocking extensions, prompting speculation that YouTube is intentionally throttling playback.

Reports have surfaced on platforms like Reddit and Brave’s browser forum, detailing experiences where videos initially appear blacked out—a duration mirroring the length of typical pre-roll ads. A pop-up message then directs users to YouTube’s support page, specifically highlighting ad-blocking extensions as a potential cause.

The support page suggests users “check whether your browser extensions that block ads are affecting video playback” and recommends testing YouTube in an incognito window with all extensions disabled. PCWorld staff have independently verified these observations using uBlock Origin Lite.

While ad-block developers have historically been quick to circumvent such measures, this apparent slowdown represents a potentially more impactful approach from Google. Some users speculate that YouTube might be targeting specific accounts detected blocking ads, a tactic that would bypass browser-specific fixes.

The timing aligns with growing concerns about the increasing prevalence of ad blockers, driven by a rise in ad frequency and a perceived decline in ad quality. Many YouTube creators are actively seeking alternative revenue streams, such as sponsored content and paywalled videos on YouTube or platforms like Patreon.

YouTube is also reportedly cracking down on tech channels that demonstrate methods for blocking ads or downloading videos without Premium subscriptions, citing violations of its “harmful and dangerous content” policy.

The core issue, according to some, lies in the price of YouTube Premium. At $14 per month, it’s comparable to premium subscriptions offering full movies and series, making it a less attractive option for simply removing ads, especially when sponsored content and subscriber-only videos remain. A cheaper “Premium Lite” option is available in some regions, but it lacks key features for mobile and music users.

Many users are willing to support creators directly through platforms like Patreon, feeling that it’s a more transparent and direct way to contribute. A potential solution for YouTube could involve lowering the price of Premium to a point where it’s more appealing than the hassle of using ad blockers – a strategy successfully employed by the music, movie, and gaming industries in the past.

Source: Michael Crider, Staff Writer, PCWorld

Related Searches: YouTube ad blocker, YouTube Premium, YouTube ads, video slowdown, ad blocking extensions