SAN FRANCISCO, California – YouTube users are reporting decreased site performance when using ad blockers, suggesting that the platform may be intentionally slowing down the site for these users. Complaints have surfaced on Reddit, with some users sharing videos demonstrating the issue. These videos show that when an ad blocker is enabled, the video playback is unable to keep up with the speed, resulting in pauses and disruptions. However, turning off the ad blocker immediately improves the loading performance. Users have also reported other issues such as lag and difficulties with full screen or comments when the ad-block detection is active.
YouTube has been employing various tactics to discourage the use of ad blockers and encourage subscriptions to YouTube Premium. In the past, the platform displayed pop-up messages notifying users that ad blockers violated the terms of service. Additionally, the company was caught adding a five-second delay to the initial site load for ad blockers. This ongoing battle has created tension between Google/YouTube and the ad blocker community.
It is possible that the recent slowdowns experienced by ad blocker users are unintentional consequences resulting from ad blockers altering YouTube’s code. Adblock Plus, for instance, has reported performance issues in their version 3.22, which they claim will be resolved in version 3.22.1. However, uBlock Origin developer Raymond Hill suggests that the issue is specific to AdBlock Plus and its spinoffs, asserting that blaming YouTube would be an incorrect diagnosis.
The situation has left users confused, with many unsure why YouTube suddenly stopped working. Some individuals believed there was an issue with their internet connection, while others planned to reinstall Chrome. YouTube’s approach to addressing these issues remains unclear.
In conclusion, YouTube appears to be engaged in an ongoing battle with ad blocker users. The reported slowdowns and performance issues experienced by these users may be accidental or a result of ad blockers altering YouTube’s code. As the situation unfolds, YouTube will need to find a resolution that satisfies both users and the ad blocker community.