YouTubes New Experiment: Limiting Ad Blocker Usage Turn it Off or Buy Premium Subscription After 3 Videos

YouTube Experiments with Limiting Usage on Ad Blockers

YouTube is running a new experiment to limit usage on ad blockers by asking users to turn it off or buy a premium subscription after three videos. Users on Reddit posted screenshots of the streaming service showing a warning sign to people using an ad-blocking extension on desktop as spotted first by Bleeping Computer.

The warning says “Video player will be blocked after 3 videos.” The message below states that “It looks like you maybe using an ad blocker. Video playback will be blocked unless YouTube is allowlisted or the ad blocker is disabled.” Another user posted a screenshot after YouTube blocked access to the video. “Ad blockers violate YouTube’s Terms of Service,” the message reads.

Some users have experienced YouTube restricting ad blockers on mobile as well. The company told AsumeTech that this warning sign is part of an experiment.

“We’re running a small experiment globally that urges viewers with ad blockers enabled to allow ads on YouTube or try YouTube Premium,” it said in a statement. Additionally, Google said that if users don’t allow YouTube on the ad blocker, it may disable playback for some time in “extreme cases.”

The company has also conducted some experiments to push people to premium subscriptions in the past. Last year, it briefly ran a test asking users to purchase a paid plan to watch 4K videos. Last September, it even tested showing up to 11 unskippable ads at the start of the video for an uninterrupted experience.

Last year, YouTube said that it has more than 80 million subscribers across Music and Premium offerings.

on YouTube’s Experiment to Limit Usage on Ad Blockers

YouTube recently implemented an experiment aimed at reducing the use of ad-blocking software. In this experiment, users are prompted to disable their ad blockers or purchase a premium subscription after watching three videos on the platform. Screenshots of this warning were shared on Reddit by users who noticed the feature while using an ad-blocking extension on their desktops. The warning notifies users that their video player will be blocked after three videos, and suggests that they whitelist YouTube or disable their ad blocker.

YouTube has also extended this limitation to mobile users, with some individuals reporting their ad blockers being restricted on mobile devices. The company has clarified that this warning sign is a part of a global experiment they are conducting. According to YouTube, this experiment is intended to encourage viewers with ad blockers enabled to either allow ads on the platform or consider opting for a YouTube Premium subscription. In extreme cases where users do not comply with YouTube’s ad policies regarding ad blockers, the platform may disable video playback for a certain period of time.

This is not the first time YouTube has conducted experiments to promote its premium offerings. In the past, the platform conducted a test requiring users to purchase a paid plan in order to access 4K videos. Additionally, YouTube once experimented with showing up to 11 unskippable ads at the beginning of videos, aiming to provide an uninterrupted viewing experience.

According to YouTube, they have a substantial subscriber base of over 80 million users across their Music and Premium offerings. These experiments are strategic efforts by YouTube to enhance revenue generation through encouraging ad views or premium subscriptions.

Encouraging through Experimentation

YouTube’s experiment to limit usage on ad blockers demonstrates their commitment to finding ways to engage and retain users while maximizing revenue. By presenting the warning to viewers with ad-blocking extensions, YouTube aims to inform users of the potential consequences of using ad blockers and encourage them to support the platform through allowing ads or opting for a premium subscription.

This experiment sparks conversation and engagement among users, particularly on platforms like Reddit, where individuals shared screenshots and discussed their experiences. It offers an opportunity for users to share their opinions on YouTube’s ad policies and their preferences regarding ad viewing or premium subscriptions.

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