YouTube is stepping up its efforts to discourage ad-blocker use by introducing longer video load times and increased buffering for users who have ad-block extensions enabled. This latest move was first noted by users on Reddit and the Brave browser forum and reported by PCWorld.
Affected users are seeing a new pop-up on videos reading, “Experiencing interruptions?” The message includes a link to a Google support page encouraging users to disable their ad-blockers for smoother playback.
Unlike previous enforcement methods, which involved warning banners or full content blocks, YouTube’s new strategy subtly delays video playback—mirroring the time it would normally take to show a pre-roll ad. According to MacRumors, this new approach may be less direct but is still aimed at deterring ad-blocker use.
Interestingly, some users online have expressed a preference for the delays over watching actual ads. “Joke’s on them. I’d absolutely have my video buffer for 10 seconds than watch Mobile Slot machine scams,” one Reddit user wrote.
YouTube has maintained that blocking ads violates its terms of service, which aim to ensure that creators are compensated for their content. “Our terms don’t allow third-party apps to turn off ads because that prevents the creator from being rewarded for viewership,” the company said in a previous statement.
To avoid ads altogether, YouTube offers two subscription options: YouTube Premium at $13.99/month, which removes all ads, and Premium Lite at $7.99/month, which excludes ads on most content except Shorts and music videos. Reports suggest that YouTube may soon extend the length of unskippable ads for free users from 15 seconds to 30 seconds.
Separately, iOS users who experience app crashes are advised to uninstall the YouTube app, restart their device, and reinstall the latest version from the App Store to resolve the issue.
