YouTube is ramping up its efforts to counter ad blockers, marking a significant development in its ongoing battle against software that interferes with ad delivery.
This method involves embedding advertisements directly into videos before they reach users' devices, contrasting with traditional client-side ad insertion, where ads are delivered separately.
YouTube ads are annoying because they just appear out of nowhere amid our video streaming. With ad blockers getting disabled, users are forced to opt for the premium subscription. (Photo : Alexander Shatov from Unsplash)
YouTube Testing Server-Side Ad Injection
YouTube is intensifying its efforts to combat ad blockers. Recently, ad blocker SponsorBlock reported that the platform, owned by Google, is experimenting with server-side ad injection among a select group of users.
TechCrunch reported that this new method involves embedding ads directly into videos before they reach users' devices, unlike client-side ad insertion, where ads are delivered separately.
This change aims to make it more challenging for ad-blocking software to detect and block ads effectively. This development has disrupted its service, causing all timestamps to be offset due to the inclusion of ad times.
A Google spokesperson acknowledged the test, emphasizing that YouTube is enhancing its ability to deliver organic and ad content efficiently. However, this update may lead to less optimal viewing experiences for users who use ad blockers.
Google restated its stance that ad blockers violate YouTube's Terms of Service and advised users seeking an ad-free experience to subscribe to YouTube Premium.
This reflects the ongoing struggle between YouTube and ad blockers, where each side continually evolves its tactics. Last year, YouTube introduced a pop-up message restricting video viewing unless ad blockers were disabled.
Last autumn, Krzysztof Modras, director of product and engineering at Ghostery, noted that YouTube, one of the largest global publishers, continues to invest heavily in bypassing ad blockers. He said that YouTube appears to be adjusting its strategies more frequently than in the past.
On the other hand, AdGuard noted that while YouTube's adoption of server-side ad injection is recent on the web, it has been employing a similar approach in its mobile apps.
AdGuard expressed confidence that solutions will emerge but acknowledged they would necessitate collaborative efforts and innovative approaches from ad-blocking developers and the ad-filtering community.
Third-party app users may also encounter buffering issues or receive an error message stating that the following content is not available on this app when attempting to view videos.
Last April, YouTube underscored that its policies forbid these apps from disabling ads, which are essential for creators to earn revenue. Ads on YouTube play a vital role in supporting creators and ensuring global access to the streaming platform for billions of users.
YouTube strictly limits the usage of its API by third-party applications to enhance platform functionalities. However, any attempt to circumvent YouTube's ad program is prohibited and violates its terms of service.
YouTube also emphasized that it will rigorously enforce its API Services Terms of Service, which could result in the suspension of offending applications. YouTube maintains a strict policy against all types of ad blockers, including applications and browser extensions.
