Tag: ad blockers

  • YouTube’s 3-Hour Unskippable Ads: Not a Glitch

    YouTube’s 3-Hour Unskippable Ads: Not a Glitch

    YouTube users have been sharing their experiences of encountering incredibly long, unskippable ads, some stretching from 57 minutes to as much as 3 hours. Screenshots posted on Reddit even show ads that are longer than the videos being played. This has left many users feeling frustrated, raising questions about whether this is a deliberate strategy from YouTube or simply a technical issue.

    The Missing ‘Skip Ad’ Button

    Some users have pointed out that the typical “Skip Ad” button is absent in these cases. In certain instances, it appears below the video, leading to theories that ad blockers might be affecting how ads are shown. This has sparked worries that ad blockers could be changing the visibility of the skip feature or impacting the length of the ads themselves.

    YouTube’s Response to User Concerns

    YouTube clarified that these lengthy advertisements mainly target users who have ad blockers activated. The platform noted that regular users can still skip ads after a wait of 15 seconds. YouTube stressed the importance of ads for supporting content creators and stated that the use of ad blockers goes against its Terms of Use. Users are encouraged to either turn off their ad blockers or sign up for YouTube Premium to enjoy an ad-free experience.

    YouTube’s Actions Against Ad Blockers

    Lately, YouTube has taken strong steps against ad blockers, which include:

    – Adding ads when users pause videos.
    – Slowing down the site for those with ad blockers.
    – Restricting video views for ad-blocking users.
    – Promoting YouTube Premium with large banners.

    Reports from Reddit users indicate that ads have reached outrageous lengths, ranging from 58 minutes to even 10 hours. One unverified report even claimed there was a 90-hour-long ad. A standout case involved a user who encountered a 2-hour 52-minute ad before a 49-minute video. This has led to more speculation that ad blockers might be adjusting ad displays or concealing the skip option.

    Google’s Position on Long Advertisements

    Google stated that normal users usually encounter unskippable ads lasting up to 15 seconds on mobile devices and 60 seconds on televisions. However, the company acknowledged that extended ads are specifically aimed at users with ad blockers, as part of a worldwide initiative to combat ad evasion. Google mentioned that users must either watch the ads or subscribe to YouTube Premium, with additional restrictions likely to be enforced for those who persist in blocking ads.

    YouTube is making it harder to experience ad-free content without subscribing to YouTube Premium. As the platform continues its crackdown, users who use ad blockers may soon face even tougher regulations.

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  • YouTube Tests Homepage Design Without View Counts and Upload Dates

    YouTube Tests Homepage Design Without View Counts and Upload Dates

    While battling against ad blockers more and more, YouTube is also experimenting with a major change to its homepage look. This update involves taking away both video view counts and the dates when videos were published. As a result, the videos displayed on the homepage will likely be identified only by their titles and the names of their creators.

    Discovery of the Update

    This potential modification was found out through the X social media platform by a user named vidIQ. It marks another part of YouTube’s continuous attempt to alter its platform, both in terms of appearance and functionality. However, these details may still be present when users actually watch the videos.

    Community Reactions

    As is common, this change has sparked varied responses among the YouTube user base. Critics believe that publication dates are crucial, especially for gaming news or political events. On the other hand, supporters of this possible update argue that smaller creators, who often get ignored in favor of bigger channels with more views, could benefit from this change.

    Recent Features and Pricing

    In recent updates, Google rolled out a pink gradient progress bar and made improvements to the ad skipping feature. There are also several AI tools being developed to improve creator resources and monetization options on the YouTube platform. Since this update is still in the testing phase and there’s no confirmed timeline for a broader launch, all we can do is wait.

    Ema Twain’s guide, "How To Start a YouTube Channel in 2024 – A Beginner’s Guide To Being An Influencer and Making Money Online," is priced at $9.99 in Kindle format (or free with Kindle Unlimited). The paperback is available for $14.99, while the hardcover comes with a price tag of $29.99.

    vidIQ (on X/Twitter)

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  • YouTube Faces Criminal Complaint From Privacy Consultant Over Ad Blocker Detection Scripts

    YouTube Faces Criminal Complaint From Privacy Consultant Over Ad Blocker Detection Scripts

    Privacy Consultant Files Criminal Complaint Against YouTube in Ireland

    A privacy consultant named Alexander Hanff has taken legal action against YouTube, filing a criminal complaint in Ireland over the platform's use of scripts to detect and restrict ad blockers. Hanff argues that this practice violates EU law, which mandates consent for non-necessary interactions with users' devices, and considers the scripts to be a form of spying on EU citizens.

    Violation of EU Law and Privacy Concerns

    Hanff alleges that YouTube's deployment of these scripts without users' knowledge or authorization constitutes spyware or surveillance technology. He believes that the sole purpose of these scripts is to intercept and monitor user behavior, regardless of whether ads load or are blocked by an ad blocker. Hanff's decision to pursue a criminal complaint stems from his lack of confidence in EU regulators' ability to effectively enforce the ePrivacy Directive.

    YouTube's Ad Blocker Restrictions

    YouTube recently made the decision to block ad blockers on its platform, citing the need to protect its advertising revenue. However, this move has faced significant criticism from users who argue that it infringes upon their privacy and right to control their online experience.

    In addition to the criminal complaint, Hanff has also filed a civil complaint against YouTube with the Irish Data Protection Commission. This regulatory authority is currently investigating the matter, further highlighting the seriousness of the allegations made against YouTube.

    The outcome of these legal actions remains uncertain, but they serve as a reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding online privacy and the responsibilities of tech companies. As users become increasingly aware of the ways in which their data is collected and utilized, the need for transparent and ethical practices in the digital realm becomes more evident.

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