3 Easy Ways to Block Ads on YouTube
Are you over YouTube ads? Here are three ways to block those commercials no matter the device or browser you use.
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Last updated May 26, 2023
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The best YouTube experience is one not interrupted by ads. But, unfortunately, YouTube offers a lot of ad options. Video ads can play before, during, and after your videos. And let's not forget the banner ads that block the view of the video until you exit or click on the ad.
YouTube ads are everywhere, and you want them to stop.
Luckily, there are a few ways to watch your favorite YouTube channels without the interruption of annoying ads. Keep reading to discover how an ad blocker app or web browser extension, VPN, or YouTube Premium subscription can help you block ads once and for all.
In this article
How to block ads on YouTube with an ad blockerHow to block YouTube ads with a VPN
Get rid of ads with a YouTube Premium subscription
YouTube Premium plans and prices
Why shouldn’t you block ads on YouTube?
FAQs
Bottom line
How to block ads on YouTube with an ad blocker
An ad blocker is designed to block advertisements from appearing on a web page. It scans a website for advertising material and then stops it from loading. This comes with numerous benefits like blocking malicious ads, increasing data privacy, and speeding up web page load times.
However, YouTube frequently updates its system to work around ad blockers. This means you may sometimes still deal with ads while an ad blocker figures out how to block them again. Also, an ad blocker doesn't stop sponsored content in the video itself.
Ad blockers are useful for an ad-free experience, but you need to download a legitimate and efficient ad blocker. Sometimes criminals use fake ad blockers as a way for you to install a virus. Start by thoroughly researching the reviews of an ad blocker before you use it.
Ad blockers are usually browser extensions, but app options are available. If you want a Google Chrome extension to block YouTube ads, consider checking out AdBlock, which has over 60 million users and also comes with a Microsoft Edge version. Some other options include:
- Ghostery: Great for blocking ads and tracking your data
- AdLock: Great for those looking for a program instead of a browser extension
- AdGuard: Great for ad blocking and malware protection
- 1Blocker: Great for Apple Safari, macOS, and iOS systems, including iPhone and iPad
- AdBlocker for YouTube: An excellent choice if you prefer to use Mozilla Firefox instead of Chrome
/images/2023/03/01/logo-total-adblock.png){kind=logo}
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Hands-off ad-blocking experience
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Easy to set up
Hands-off ad-blocking experience
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Free version excludes top 15,000 websites
Free version excludes top 15,000 websites
How to block YouTube ads with a VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) is primarily used to create a protected network to share and receive data safely. But it can also have other features like ad blockers.
A VPN with ad blocker capabilities can block unwanted pop-up ads and video ads. This combination of data privacy and ad blocking can make a VPN a powerful tool to keep your data anonymous.
If you're already using a VPN, you may want to find out if they have ad blocker features. Here are a few VPNs that include an ad blocker:
/images/2022/05/26/logo-nordvpn.png){kind=logo}
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Loads of servers for more connection options
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Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
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Too many confusing plans
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Unlimited simultaneous connections
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Works with Netflix and other streaming services
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Headquarters in Nine Eyes Alliance
Get rid of ads with a YouTube Premium subscription
If you want a guaranteed way to watch YouTube videos with no ads, you should consider investing in a YouTube Premium subscription.
As long as you're signed in, you can watch videos uninterrupted by ads on any device — including mobile, desktop, and enabled TV. YouTube Premium removes video ads before, during, and after the video while also removing banner and search ads.
By paying for a subscription, you can ensure your favorite YouTubers are still getting paid when you watch their videos. They’ll receive some of the earnings from Premium, which means you can financially support content creators without having to watch ads.
Besides no longer seeing ads, YouTube Premium has additional benefits you might find worthy of the cost. Some of these benefits include:
- Download videos for offline viewing.
- Play videos in the background, even when you open other apps or the phone is locked.
- Get access to YouTube Music Premium.
- Watch YouTube Originals at no extra cost.
There are several different YouTube Premium plans available, depending on your life circumstances.
Family plans let up to 5 family members in the same household access YouTube Premium. This is a fairly affordable option since it works out to $3.60 per person for a family of 5.
You save money by paying annually if you can afford the upfront cost. The annual rate for an individual plan will give you about 2 months free compared to paying the monthly price.
If you're a student, you're eligible for a 3-month trial period and a reduced monthly cost. But you'll need to verify your student status annually to qualify for this rate.
Here is a quick look at the current YouTube Premium plans and prices.
YouTube Premium plans and prices
| Plan | Price |
| Monthly | $11.99/mo |
| Annual | $119.99/yr |
| Family | $17.99/mo |
| Student | $6.99/mo |
YouTube Premium comes with a free trial
A free trial is a great opportunity to try out a new service without a long-term commitment. Both individual and family plans come with a 1-month trial, while students can get a 3-month trial.
To sign up for a free trial, you will need to enter credit card details or link your PayPal account to Google Pay. When your free trial is over, YouTube will automatically charge you to continue the Premium subscription. They’ll notify you 7 days before your trial ends, and you can cancel at any time.
Why shouldn’t you block ads on YouTube?
Ads do more than ensure YouTube has the revenue it needs to keep running its platform. YouTube also shares part of its ad earnings with content creators, known as YouTubers. This encourages YouTubers to continue to create more content and also funds their efforts.
If you frequently watch content creators on YouTube, blocking ads may prevent them from earning money from their videos. Watching ads is a free way to support their work.
FAQs
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What’s the best ad blocker for YouTube?
The best ad blocker for YouTube depends on the type of device you’re using, but we recommend the following as some of the best:
If you want to watch videos without ads but still support YouTubers, the best option is to purchase a YouTube Premium subscription. If your priority is simply to block ads, consider a VPN or an ad blocker extension designed for your browser and operating system.
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Can you block ads on the YouTube app?
Blocking ads on the YouTube app is similar to desktop. By purchasing a YouTube Premium subscription, you won't have to worry about ads on your mobile device.
You could also use a VPN or mobile-friendly ad blocker app to block ads on the YouTube app. However, some ads may still appear on Android. Some of the top ad blocker apps on the Google Play Store and App Store include:
- AdGuard: App Store | Google Play
- AdLock: App Store | Android App
- AdBlock: App Store | AdBlock Browser for Android
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Do YouTubers get paid if you skip ads?
No, YouTubers don't get paid if you skip ads. If you immediately click skip on an ad, YouTube doesn't count it as a view and won't charge the advertiser for it. Subsequently, the platform can't pay YouTubers a commission for the ad. You'll have to watch the whole ad, or at least 30 seconds of it, for YouTubers to get paid for it.
Bottom line
Blocking YouTube ads is as simple as downloading a browser extension or app. Ad blockers are specifically designed to detect and block advertising. But VPNs offer data privacy, which makes it harder for advertisers to track you. Plus, VPNs often have ad blockers included in their app.
Overall, a VPN like NordVPN may offer the best value to you.
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Loads of servers for more connection options
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Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
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Too many confusing plans
But if it's important to you to support your favorite YouTubers without having to watch ads, you may want to purchase a YouTube Premium subscription. Premium lets you watch videos ad-free, and YouTubers still get paid when you watch their videos.
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Hands-off ad-blocking experience
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Easy to set up
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Free version excludes top 15,000 websites
Author Details
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Sara J. Nguyen is a freelance writer specializing in cybersecurity. She aims to help people protect their data while enjoying technology. She has written about online privacy and tech for over 5 years for several organizations. When she's not writing about the latest cybersecurity trends, you can find her on LinkedIn.
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