YouTube is breaking its own features for users with ad blockers

YouTube is apparently taking new steps against ad block users. In recent days, there have been several reports that the comments sections and/or descriptions of videos have been rendered completely disabled when an ad blocker is detected as active for users.

Android Authority has compiled some of these complaints and concluded that this isn’t a bug but rather a deliberate move against the use of ad blockers. What’s particularly annoying is that YouTube Premium users are also affected by these measures—even though they’re already free of ads thanks to their paid subscription, they might be using ad blockers for other websites and experiencing collateral damage.

Incidentally, it’s not only external ad blockers that are affected but also web browsers with built-in ad block features. As soon as affected users change their browsers or switch off their ad blockers, they’re able to see comments and descriptions under YouTube videos again.

Not the first time

YouTube has repeatedly tried to discourage users from using ad blockers. From targeted attempts to block certain ad blockers such as uBlock Origin in the Chrome browser to hours-long ads that can’t be skipped, all to annoy ad block users. In some cases, users have also been served black screens when ad blockers are detected.

This time, not all users seem to be affected—but there are enough reports to suggest that it’s a widespread problem. It’s best to check which ad blockers you have installed and whether there are any restrictions when you try to play YouTube videos.

From YouTube’s point of view, it makes sense to encourage ad blocker users to whitelist their ads or subscribe to YouTube Premium so as not to jeopardize these sources of revenue. However, the methods being employed are questionable and user-unfriendly.

Further reading: I block ads on YouTube and I’m not ashamed of it