Watching videos on YouTube is a popular way to pass the time, learn something new, or get entertained. However, the presence of ads can sometimes interrupt the viewing experience, leading users to look for ways to enjoy their favorite content without pesky advertisements. While ads can help fund the platform and support content creators, some viewers simply want an ad-free experience, and there are several methods for achieving this.
Key Takeaways
- There are multiple ways to watch YouTube without ads, including paid and free solutions.
- Consider the pros and cons of each ad-free method while adhering to YouTube’s rules.
- Balancing ad-blocking with supporting content creators is essential for maintaining a healthy online ecosystem.
Understand How YouTube Ads Work
There are different types of advertisements on YouTube, including skippable ads, non-skippable ads, pre-roll ads, and sponsored content. Skippable ads can be skipped after a few seconds, while non-skippable ads play for a predetermined duration and cannot be skipped. Pre-roll ads appear before the main video, while sponsored content is integrated into the video’s content itself.
YouTube and content creators primarily earn revenue through ad placements. When a viewer watches an ad, both YouTube and the creator receive a share of the ad revenue. The ad revenue is generated based on factors like ad clicks, views, and total watch time. This monetization strategy encourages creators to produce quality content while also providing YouTube with resources to maintain and improve the platform.
One of the common YouTube ad types are in-stream ads, which are video advertisements that play before, during, or after the main video content. They can be either skippable or non-skippable. Advertisers generally pay for in-stream ads based on the number of views or clicks their ads receive.
Subscription-Based Options
YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium is a subscription-based service offered by Google that provides ad-free video streaming on the YouTube platform. With a YouTube Premium subscription, users can watch their favorite videos without any interruptions from advertisements. In addition, the subscription includes features such as offline viewing, background play, and access to YouTube Originals content.
The cost of a YouTube Premium subscription varies depending on the region; however, in the United States, it is priced at $11.99 per month. Subscribers can also enjoy a one-month free trial before committing to the service.
YouTube Premium Family Plan
For those who want to share the benefits of ad-free YouTube viewing with their family, the YouTube Premium Family Plan is an ideal option. This subscription plan allows up to six family members (aged 13 and above) living in the same household to enjoy the features of YouTube Premium for a slightly higher monthly fee. In the United States, the YouTube Premium Family Plan costs $17.99 per month.
The Family Plan also provides access to the YouTube Kids app, allowing parents to set up a safe viewing environment for their children. Just like the individual plan, new subscribers to the Family Plan can also take advantage of a one-month free trial.
YouTube Music Premium
For music enthusiasts seeking an ad-free listening experience, there’s YouTube Music Premium. A YouTube Music Premium subscription not only removes advertisements from music videos but also enables background play, allowing users to listen to their favorite songs while using other apps on their device. In addition, subscribers can download music for offline listening and access YouTube’s extensive music catalog.
A standalone YouTube Music Premium subscription costs $9.99 per month in the United States, with a one-month free trial available for new subscribers. However, it is worth noting that a YouTube Premium subscription already includes access to YouTube Music Premium, making it an attractive option for those who want both ad-free video streaming and music listening experiences.
Third-Party Ad Blocker Extensions and Apps
Watching YouTube without ads can significantly improve the user experience. In this section, we will discuss several third-party ad blocker extensions and apps that can help you achieve an ad-free YouTube experience.
AdBlock
AdBlock is a popular browser extension available for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. It effectively blocks ads on YouTube and other websites. The extension is easy to install and customize, allowing users to choose which types of ads to block.
AdBlock Plus
AdBlock Plus is another widely-used ad blocker extension compatible with Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. In addition to blocking ads on YouTube, it also provides protection against malware and disables tracking from third-party websites.
AdGuard
Offering both an extension and an app, AdGuard provides comprehensive ad-blocking services across various platforms, including Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. It also offers features like malware and phishing protection along with parental control and privacy protection tools.
uBlock Origin
uBlock Origin is an open-source ad blocker extension available for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Known for its efficiency and lightweight design, uBlock Origin effectively blocks ads on YouTube while consuming minimal system resources.
AdLock
AdLock is an ad-blocking app designed for Windows, Android, and iOS devices. It blocks ads on YouTube and other websites, prevents tracking, and protects against malware. Since it operates at the system level, it doesn’t rely on browser extensions and provides a seamless ad-blocking experience.
AdBlocker Ultimate
AdBlocker Ultimate is an extension available for Chrome, Firefox and Safari that focuses on removing all types of ads, including those on YouTube. It also offers features like blocking tracking and malware protection.
AdBlock for YouTube
Designed specifically for YouTube, the AdBlock for YouTube extension is available only for the Chrome browser. While its primary focus is on blocking YouTube ads, it also provides basic ad-blocking functionality on other websites.
Modifying Browsers and Devices
Android Devices
On Android devices, you can use web browsers with built-in ad-blocking features, such as Brave Browser and Firefox Focus. Alternatively, you can install 3rd party ad-blocking extensions or apps. For example, you can use an APK like AdGuard or Blokada to block ads not only on YouTube but also on other web pages and apps.
iOS Devices
For iOS devices, consider using a web browser with ad-blocking capabilities, such as Safari with Content Blockers or Firefox Focus. Some VPN providers also offer ad-blocking features. By enabling these VPNs on your iOS device, you can effectively block ads on YouTube and other web pages.
Desktops and Laptops
Viewing YouTube ad-free on desktops and laptops can be achieved by installing browser extensions like uBlock Origin or AdBlock Plus on popular browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Additionally, consider using a VPN with ad-blocking features to further enhance your browsing experience.
To block YouTube ads at the DNS level, you can change your computer’s DNS settings to use an ad-blocking DNS service, such as AdGuard DNS. This method blocks ads on all web pages, including YouTube, by filtering out ad-related IP addresses at the DNS level.
Smart TVs and Streaming Devices
On Smart TVs and streaming devices, such as Roku and Apple TV, ad-blocking solutions may be limited. However, you can try using a VPN with ad-blocking features or change your device’s DNS settings to an ad-blocking DNS service, like AdGuard DNS. These methods can help reduce or eliminate ads on YouTube and other streaming platforms.
Alternative YouTube Apps and Websites
There are several alternative YouTube apps and websites that allow you to watch videos without ads. These apps are optimized for use on mobile devices and television screens. Some popular alternatives are NewPipe, SmartTubeNext, and SkyTube.
NewPipe
NewPipe is an open-source Android app that gives you access to YouTube videos without ads. It offers a clean user interface with various features that improve your video browsing experience. Some notable functionalities include:
- Ad-free video playback
- Background playback
- Download videos and audio
- Support for multiple video streaming services
NewPipe is not available through Google Play Store but can be downloaded from alternative app stores like F-Droid.
SmartTubeNext
SmartTubeNext is another ad-free YouTube alternative app specifically designed for Android TV devices. It provides a user-friendly interface that is optimized for television screens. Key benefits of using SmartTubeNext include:
- No ads or video recommendations
- 4K video support
- Adjustable video playback speed
- Customizable video categories and channels
To install SmartTubeNext, follow the instructions provided on their GitHub page.
SkyTube
SkyTube is an open-source, ad-free YouTube alternative app for Android devices. It offers a seamless viewing experience with features such as:
- Ad-free video playback
- Subscribe to channels without a Google account
- Download videos for offline viewing
- Access to daily trending videos and channel feeds
To download SkyTube, visit their website or use alternative app stores like F-Droid.
With these alternative YouTube apps and websites, you can enjoy an ad-free video streaming experience on your mobile devices and TV screens.
Opting for Ad Personalization and Disabling Cookies
Ad personalization is a feature that tailors ads to your preferences and interests. Even though it may not completely eliminate ads on YouTube, it can result in more relevant and less disruptive advertisements. To enable ad personalization, visit your Google Ad Settings and toggle the option for “Ad personalization.”
While ad personalization can provide a better ad experience, it often relies on cookies, which are small files stored on your device to track your browsing activities and preferences. Disabling cookies can help limit tracking and, in some cases, reduce the frequency of ads. Here are the steps to disable cookies in different browsers:
Google Chrome:
- Click on the three-dot icon in the top right corner, and select “Settings.”
- Scroll down and click “Privacy and security.”
- Choose “Cookies and other site data.”
- Select “Block all cookies” or adjust the settings to your preference.
Mozilla Firefox:
- Click on the three-bar icon in the top right corner, and select “Options.”
- Click on “Privacy & Security” in the left panel.
- Under “Cookies and Site Data,” choose “Block all cookies” or customize the settings according to your needs.
Apple Safari:
- Click “Safari” in the menu bar, then select “Preferences.”
- Choose the “Privacy” tab.
- Check the box next to “Block all cookies” or adjust settings as desired.
Keep in mind that disabling cookies can lead to a less personalized browsing experience, as websites may not remember your preferences. Also, you might still encounter some ads on YouTube, but they may be less targeted and potentially less intrusive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best ad-blocking extensions to use?
There are several ad-blocking extensions available to help you watch YouTube without ads. Some popular options include AdBlock, AdGuard, and uBlock Origin. Simply install these browser extensions, and they will work in the background to block ads from playing as you browse YouTube.
Is there a reliable ad-free YouTube app?
While there isn’t an official ad-free YouTube app, some apps like NewPipe (for Android) and TubeBuddy (for iOS) offer alternatives to the native YouTube app. These apps often provide additional features and, in some cases, ad-blocking capabilities. However, it’s important to note that these apps may offer limited YouTube functionalities when compared to the native app.
How can I get YouTube Premium for an ad-free experience?
YouTube Premium is a subscription-based service that allows you to watch YouTube videos without ads. Along with ad-free video streaming, YouTube Premium offers other benefits like offline video playback, background play, and access to YouTube Originals content. To get started, visit the YouTube Premium page and follow the instructions to sign up.
What are some tips to watch videos without ads on YouTube?
Apart from using ad-blocking extensions, ad-free apps, or subscribing to YouTube Premium, you can try the following tips to watch YouTube videos without ads:
- Watch videos embedded on other websites, as they sometimes have fewer ads.
- Use mobile apps with built-in ad-blockers, such as Brave Browser or Opera.
- Look for re-uploaded versions of popular content, which might have fewer ads.
Which browsers have built-in ad-blockers for YouTube?
Some browsers come with built-in ad-blockers, which can be helpful for watching YouTube without ads. Browsers like Brave and Opera have built-in ad-blockers that automatically block ads on YouTube and other websites. Keep in mind that turning on these features may occasionally block legitimate content or cause video playback issues on certain websites.
