YouTube is going after ad-blockers, and essentially threatening users who rely on ad-blocking tools. The most popular crowd-sourced video-sharing platform is actively testing a “Three Strike” policy to dissuade viewers from installing and using ad-blocker extensions or tools.
Across the world, users who rely on ad-blockers while watching videos on YouTube, are being asked to toggle off their ad blockers. Viewers are being threatened that continued use of ad-blockers could invite suspension of access to the platform. Let’s look at the latest development in the crackdown on ad blockers.
YouTube Detecting Ad-Blocker Usage And Limiting Viewers To Just Three Videos Per Day
Ad-blockers are often quite effective at stripping away ads from any website. However, by blocking ads, users are essentially robbing valuable revenue sources from websites.
YouTube has been quite successful at blocking ad-blockers as it has a very sophisticated content distribution platform. Still, the platform has been fighting ad-blockers and users who rely on them for an ad-free video-watching experience.
YouTube recently started a pilot program that recognizes ad-blocking attempts and warns users. The platform has now expanded the program to India and is now displaying a pop-up that notifies ad blocker users that the “video player will be blocked after 3 videos.”
The message is quite clear about its purpose and intention:
“It looks like you may be using an ad blocker. Video playback will be blocked unless YouTube is allow-listed or the ad blocker is disabled.”
“Ads allow YouTube to stay free for billions of users worldwide. You can go ad-free with YouTube Premium, and creators can still get paid from your subscription.”
If a YouTube user receives this pop-up, they have only two options: Disable their ad blocker and allow ads or subscribe to YouTube Premium to get rid of all advertisements.
How Can Indians Avoid The “Three Strike” Policy And The Subsequent Ban?
YouTube had previously stressed that the primary intention behind the Three Strike policy is urging viewers to allow ads on the platform or get them to try YouTube Premium. The platform indicated playback could be temporarily disabled in “extreme cases.”
Simply put, the 3-video views limitation could be extended for a short duration. The purpose of the program is not to penalize but to coax users in the direction of YouTube Premium.
Indians are one of the most prolific users of ad blockers. A report from a few years ago indicated that India ranked second in the rampant use of ad-blocking web browser extensions, tools, and other methods to strip websites of ads.
Incidentally, YouTube Premium is priced very reasonably in India. It removes ads for the subscribers at just ₹39 per month for individuals, ₹189 per month for families, and ₹79 per month for students.