YouTube may take the next step to make ad blocking nearly impossible
In light of YouTube's recent struggles with anti-banner ads, the platform is considering embedding ads directly on the server, which could make ad blocking nearly impossible.
Here's What We Know
This change is due to the ongoing battle against ad blockers such as ReVanced, which modify the standard YouTube app to provide Premium features, including ad blocking. The SponsorBlock system, which uses crowdsourcing to bypass ads, may also be affected by this change.
YouTube is currently experimenting with server-side ad injection. This means that the ad is being added directly into the video stream.
- SponsorBlock (@sponsorblock@fosstodon.org) (@SponsorBlock) June 12, 2024
This breaks sponsorblock since now all timestamps are offset by the ad times.
The new approach involves adding adverts directly into the video stream, which could shift timestamps and make it harder to skip ad segments. Such changes could affect the user experience and the speed at which content loads. While YouTube knows the length of the ads being inserted and can compensate for timestamps, it will deliver difficulties in ridding Premium users of adverts.
YouTube's move may be a response to community efforts to keep content ad-free. However, it also raises questions about how far the platform is willing to go to discourage users seeking not to pay for content.
Source: @SponsorBlock
