YouTube plays hour-long ads to users with ad blockers \ stacker news ~tech

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YouTube plays hour-long ads to users with ad blockers hackmag.com/news/youtube-long-ads/

222 sats \ 24 comments \ @IamSINGLE 28 Jan tech

I hate YouTube. I hate ads. I hate their maliciousness. But I can't stop watching some content that I love and I don't get at other places.

Interestingly, according to Google, normal unskippable ads in videos must never exceed 15 seconds. However, last year people complained about ads lasting for 1 minute and 28 seconds.

When asked by Android Authority, Google representatives provided a rather vague answer, but confirmed that they continue to fight ad blockers on YouTube. And it can be concluded that long unskippable ads are one of the tools in Google’s arsenal.

“Ads are a vital lifeline for our creators that helps them run and grow their businesses. That’s why the use of ad blockers violate YouTube’s Terms of Service. We’ve launched a global effort to urge viewers with ad blockers enabled to allow ads on YouTube or try YouTube Premium for an ad free experience.”

If YouTube can really impose 1 hour long ads even for blockers, what's the way to escape?

Did you ever watch an ad more than 1 minute on YouTube?

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74 sats \ 12 replies \ @ama 28 Jan

If using sensible platforms like zap.stream isn't enough (I know, I know), instead of add blockers, use Invidious to watch YT videos: FreeTube (or similar clients) on Linux and NewPipe (or similar clients) on Android.

30 sats \ 6 replies \ @IamSINGLE OP 28 Jan

Thanks. This is really helpful. Except for my TV, I've been watching YouTube videos most of the time in preview after pasting the link anywhere on SN. It's my simple solution 😀

10 sats \ 5 replies \ @ama 28 Jan

I'm glad it helped. What OS does your TV run? Maybe there's an invidious client for it..

20 sats \ 4 replies \ @IamSINGLE OP 28 Jan

My personal TV runs on VIDAA. Other one runs on Android.

10 sats \ 3 replies \ @ama 28 Jan

Have a look at https://piped.video/ to see if it helps until we find something better. :-)

20 sats \ 2 replies \ @IamSINGLE OP 28 Jan

Thanks. I'll have a look at it before Sunday.

10 sats \ 1 reply \ @ama 28 Jan

Let us know how it does...

30 sats \ 0 replies \ @IamSINGLE OP 28 Jan

Sure. I'm not very technical so definitely I might be bothering you by asking for help.

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10 sats \ 3 replies \ @guts 28 Jan

Also SmartTube on AndroidTV

10 sats \ 2 replies \ @ama 28 Jan

Oh, I thought the OP had no problem with that one.

20 sats \ 1 reply \ @IamSINGLE OP 28 Jan

I actually don't watch on the Android TV but I would like try to fix that as well.

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @guts 28 Jan

For TV no app beats SmartTube, no ads and SponsorBlock

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @398ja 28 Jan

Newpipe is great, despite the occasional bugs. It's now my default YouTube client.

19 sats \ 1 reply \ @NovaRift 28 Jan

Do you use Android or iOS? If you use Android, you can install F-Droid , and through fdroid, you can install NewPipe or PipePipe. They are secure, open-source, and ad free alternatives to Youtube. I suggested installing fdroid because you will receive regular app update notifications, whereas if you install NewPipe directly, you have to do it manually. Additionally, F-Droid has many great secure open source alternatives to explore.

30 sats \ 0 replies \ @IamSINGLE OP 28 Jan

Thanks. Right now using Android. But I'll buy a new iOS device next month or in March. I'll then use F-Droid on my android phone.

For mobile and Laptop it's not a problem for me as I can watch on SN.

19 sats \ 0 replies \ @Satosora 28 Jan

People need to figure out that there are other sites. Also, if you are desperate for youtube content, you can find a way to download it, tjen you wont havs to see any ads.

10 sats \ 3 replies \ @oliverweiss 28 Jan

Maybe I’m wrong but youtube videos posted here and watched from SN are typically ad-free, or?