Bye no ads free YT? YouTube is testing a three-strike rule to prevent ad blockers

YouTube recently confirmed that it is currently testing a new three-strike rule to combat ad blockers.

Bye ad blockers

The move aims to combat the use of ad blockers as it "violates YouTube's Terms of Service." Obviously, it affects YouTube's other revenue streams including its paid "Premium" service with no ads.

Basically, this move will apply to FREE YouTube users.

We're running a small experiment globally that urges viewers with ad blockers enabled to allow ads on YouTube or try YouTube Premium. Ad blocker detection is not new, and other publishers regularly ask viewers to disable ad blockers

To make this possible, there will be a three-strike policy for users that uses ad blockers.

An affected user will receive "repeated notifications" which ask them to allow ads on the platform.

According to the company, in extreme cases where the user will continue to use ad blockers, playback will be disabled temporarily.

Android Authority's report added that "in cases when viewers feel that they have been falsely flagged as using an ad blocker, they can share this feedback by clicking on the link in the prompt."

When this is implemented, free account YouTube users have no choice but to subscribe to YouTube Premium to enjoy an ad-free viewing experience. Otherwise, they have no choice but to watch ads.

Thankfully, YouTube Premium is not expensive.

In the Philippines, it comes with a 1-month free trial and a PHP 159 starting fee per month. They also have a Family plan with up to 5 members for just PHP 239 per month and a Student plan for eligible students with annual verification required for just PHP 95 per month.

Via: Android Authority