YouTube has taken a more aggressive approach to tackling ad blockers and users using these tools.
According to user reports, Google's video platform now gives users three chances to disable blockers. If they refuse to deactivate, the video player may be blocked on the person's device.
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YouTube's new approach to cracking ad blockers
There were several different tests of the service, with the most recent being the most radical. A Reddit user posted a screenshot that shows YouTube's message to anyone who uses such tools.
“Video player will be blocked after 3 videos,” begins the message, which has the above numbers in a counter. “It looks like you are using an ad blocker. The video player will be blocked unless YouTube is whitelisted or the ad blocker is disabled."
YouTube justification
As a way of explaining the action, YouTube repeats that advertisements allow the service to remain free for billions of viewers around the world.
He highlights the possibility of subscribing to YouTube Premium for ad-free videos and ends by saying that creators still get paid by subscribers.
In the end, there are two options for the user with adblock: allow ads or try Premium version. Video player locks after three videos until action is taken.
YouTube's new approach arrives after different attempts. Last month, users reported pop-ups with warnings that “ad blockers are not allowed”. At the time, however, there was no three-chance counter, with the video resuming after removing the ad blocker.
This “battle” between companies and users over ad blockers highlights the importance of online advertising as a source of funding for many free services. However, it also highlights user dissatisfaction with intrusive or excessive ads.
the necessary balance
As this dispute continues, we are likely to see both companies trying to find more effective solutions to serve relevant and less intrusive advertisements, as users look for ways to control the amount and type of advertisements that are exposed.
YouTube is proving more determined to fight the use of ad blockers, offering users three chances to opt out of the tool. This more aggressive approach highlights the importance of online advertising as a source of revenue for the platform.
However, the battle between companies and users in relation to this tool also highlights the need to find a balance between revenue generation and user satisfaction.