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YouTube ads are getting out of control, and users are noticing.
Google's ad strategy is testing viewers ' patience, with ads that are unskippable for 30 seconds and promotions that pop up mid-video or even during pauses.
As a result, users are now looking for ways to stop or reduce ads while watching YouTube videos.
In this guide, we’ll explain why YouTube ads have become so intrusive and what you can do about it.
How to Stop or Skip Annoying Ads on YouTube
1. Use Ad Blockers
Many browser extensions can block most ads on YouTube, including those that play before and during videos.
These ad blockers are easy to install and work with most web browsers.
- Go to your browser’s extension store.
- Search for “ad block” and find one with decent reviews.
- Install the extension, then restart your browser.
- Enable the ad blocker, go to YouTube, and check if it works.
Before Using an Ad-Blocker:
YouTube has started to fight back against ad blockers. Some ads may still get through, and you might face limited access to the site if you're using one.
2. Use A VPN
Another way to avoid annoying YouTube ads is by using a VPN to connect to a country where ads are not shown.
YouTube may not show ads in some places because of low ad demand, local laws, or because the country is currently involved in a conflict.
Here are some countries where YouTube shows fewer or no ads:
- Albania - Europe
- Cambodia - Asia
- Ivory Coast - Africa
- Laos - Asia
- Myanmar - Asia
- Macau - Asia
- Madagascar - Africa
- Maldives - Asia
- Russia
- Syria
- Mongolia
3. Use Modded YouTube Apps (Android Devices Only)
If you are an Android user and spend a lot of time watching YouTube videos on your phone, you can try using modded YouTube apps like ReVanced.
These apps are modified versions of the official YouTube app. They remove ads and offer extra features, so you don’t need a paid subscription.
Modded YouTube apps often include features like ad-free videos, background play, and customization options the official app doesn’t have.
4. Subscribe to YouTube Premium
If you want to watch YouTube videos without ads but don’t want to deal with a VPN, browser extensions, or modded apps, then your best option is to subscribe to YouTube Premium.
It’s the official, easy way to enjoy an ad-free experience on all YouTube videos.
Key Features:
- Ad-Free Videos
- Background Play
- Offline Downloads
- YouTube Music Premium
How YouTube Ads Got Out of Hand
The rise in ads has gotten people complaining. Viewers are fed up with all the constant interruptions, and honestly, who can blame them?
Some are just saying "enough" and switching to other platforms, while others are trying to block these annoying ads.
Ad Frequency and Duration
Users have noticed more ads, and many are longer than before. It's now common to see multiple unskippable ads in a row, some lasting up to 60 seconds.
This has been especially noticeable on smart TVs, where unskippable ads are becoming frequent.
Pause Ads
To increase ad revenue, YouTube started showing advertisements when you pause a video.
While Google says these are non-intrusive ads, they can be disruptive and challenging to close, especially when they appear unexpectedly.
Why YouTube Shows So Many Ads
YouTube’s increase in ads isn’t random and part of a bigger strategy focused on revenue and user behavior.
Boost Revenue and Keep Quality Content
Ads are YouTube’s main way of making money, and some of that income goes to content creators. The more ads people see, the more money both YouTube and creators earn.
This helps support creators so they can keep making good content for viewers.
Push for YouTube Premium
Another reason for the extra ads could be to promote YouTube Premium. By making the free version less enjoyable, YouTube encourages users to upgrade for an ad-free experience.
Final Thoughts
YouTube ads have become too much. They show up too often and break the flow of watching. Many people are now finding ways to block or skip them. You can use an ad blocker, a VPN, a modded app, or just get YouTube Premium.
FAQs
What else can you do about intrusive YouTube ads?
You can share feedback with Google using the "Send Feedback" option. This lets you tell them how intrusive ads are affecting your experience. Hopefully, Google will recognize this issue and improve things.
How do I report ads that violate guidelines?
If you come across an ad that violates Google’s guidelines, you can easily report it by clicking on the (i) Info button in the lower left corner of the YouTube video. Then, select 'Report' and choose the correct option for why you think the ad violates YouTube’s guidelines.
Will Google take action on the feedback or reported ads?
Yes, Google reviews the feedback and reports submitted by users. While they may not respond directly to each report, they use this information to improve their services. If an ad is found to violate their guidelines, Google may take action to remove it or prevent similar ads from appearing in the future.
