YouTube has started to delay video playback for viewers who have ad blockers installed, according to observations shared by users on Reddit and the Brave browser forum.
According to available reports, viewers using ad blockers may encounter a black screen at the beginning of video playback, lasting approximately as long as a typical skippable pre-roll advertisement. Additionally, a pop-up notification appears, prompting users to check if any browser extensions might be interfering with video playback. This behavior suggests an intentional slowdown or disruption of the viewing experience when ad-blocking tools are detected.
PCWorld tested the issue using the uBlock Origin Lite extension and confirmed the issue, although developers reportedly addressed the problem swiftly through updates and workarounds.
Some users speculate that such restrictions may not be globally applied but rather targeted toward accounts previously flagged for ad-block usage. These accounts may be identified via cookies, IP patterns, or behavioral analytics.
In tandem with these playback changes, YouTube has reportedly intensified its moderation of content creators discussing methods to bypass ads or download videos without subscribing to YouTube Premium. Videos containing such topics have been removed, and some channels have faced penalties, including account suspensions, under the grounds of violating policies against "harmful or dangerous content."
YouTube Premium currently costs $14 per month in the United States. Analysts and users alike have criticized this pricing model, particularly among casual viewers. A lighter version, YouTube Premium Lite — focused primarily on music streaming and mobile use — has seen limited adoption, further contributing to the growing reliance on ad blockers. Moreover, Google is stuffing the "Lite" plan with a notable amount of ads.
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