Security News > 2023 > May > YouTube tests blocking videos unless you disable ad blockers
YouTube is running an experiment asking some users to disable their ad blockers or pay for a premium subscription, or they will not be allowed to watch videos.
Upon receiving this notification, users will have two options: either disable their ad blocker to allow YouTube ads or consider subscribing to YouTube Premium to get rid of all advertisements.
A YouTube spokesperson confirmed this experiment and said the company urges viewers to try YouTube Premium or allow ads on the platform.
"We're running a small experiment globally that urges viewers with ad blockers enabled to allow ads on YouTube or try YouTube Premium," the spokesperson told BleepingComputer.
It's currently unknown across how many regions YouTube is displaying these warnings or if the company plans to stop those using ad blockers from accessing the platform altogether.
Making ads increasingly longer during the last several years and making some unskippable will also likely push some viewers towards signing up for an ad-free experience via YouTube Premium on platforms where ad blocking is impossible or rooting the device.