Youtube cracks down on apps and software that block ads

Youtube is cracking down on software and apps that block adverts when you watch videos.

It said that viewers using these tools “may experience bu ering issues or see the error ‘The following content is not available on this app’ when trying to watch a video” (www.snipca. com/50178).

Youtube said these apps break its rules because they prevent video creators from being paid. Adverts let the site be watched by “billions of people around the world”, it added.

It’s part of a “global e ort” by Youtube to discourage viewers from using ad blockers. This included a crackdown last year on extensions that block adverts when you watch videos on a browser.

Youtube started pausing videos and showing messages telling the viewer that they would only be allowed to continue watching if they disabled the ad blocker.

Youtube’s latest actions are aimed at Android apps like Newpipe (https:// newpipe.net) and PC programs like Freetube (https://freetubeapp.io), both of which give you an alternative interface to watch Youtube videos and don’t connect to its advertising servers.

“When we find an app that violates these terms, we will take appropriate action to protect our platform, creators, and viewers,” it said.

It’s not known whether Youtube will try to prevent these apps from working.

You can watch videos without adverts on Youtube Premium (www.youtube. com/premium), but this costs £12.99 a month.

Do you block adverts on Youtube? Let us know: letters@computeractive.co.uk