YouTube has confirmed that it has intentionally inserted delays of around 5 seconds when loading videos for users who have ad blocking software enabled. This loading delay occurs regardless of the web browser being used, as part of YouTube’s extensive efforts to counter ad blockers across all platforms and devices.
Attempts to improve the ad viewing experience
“In the last week, users who used ad blockers may have experienced suboptimal viewing, including loading delays, regardless of which browser they are using,” YouTube spokesperson Christopher Lawton said in an email statement. after numerous complaints from users emerged online. He suggested that disabling or uninstalling ad blockers should resolve the loading delays. However, there may still be some temporary lag issues until the browser cache is completely cleared and refreshed.
Lawton explained that YouTube is constantly adapting and improving its ad blocker detection systems, so users can likely expect more changes like this 5-second slowdown in the future as the platform continues to work to maximize its reach and ad revenue. . Video delays appear to range between 3 and 8 seconds, based on user reports.
It was initially reported that the loading delays were only specifically affecting Mozilla Firefox users. But further analysis of the code showed no evidence that YouTube checks or detects which browser is being used. Following user complaints on various forums and websites, it became clear that Chrome, Edge, Safari, and other browser users also experienced similar video slowdowns when detecting ad-blocking software. Additionally, you can also read an article on: How Bard’s YouTube Analytics Affects Video Creator Monetization.
5 second intermittent decelerations
In testing, the additional 5-second delay did not affect all YouTube viewers consistently. Despite attempting to reproduce the loading lag issue through various methods, such as using ad blocker extensions, private/incognito mode, and different machines and accounts, some users have been unable to activate intentional slowdown. This indicates an intermittent or partial rollout of YouTube’s anti-ad blocking initiative rather than universally applying to all videos and viewers simultaneously. Additionally, you can also read about: YouTube starts testing new AI features to enrich the viewing experience.
Google takes a strong stance against ad blockers
Recent video upload delays indicate Google and YouTube’s uncompromising stance toward limiting the use of third-party ad blocking software. Google has made multiple major changes to its advertising and ad blocking policies in recent months, particularly on YouTube. For example, YouTube began selectively disabling videos in June 2022 for some viewers who had ad blockers enabled on the site.
Last month, YouTube also launched a “global effort” to strongly encourage users to enable ads or subscribe to its $13.99 a month ad-free Premium service. “Ads are a vital lifeline for our creators,” YouTube spokesperson Christopher Lawton noted of the platform’s reliance on advertising revenue. Additionally, Google last week detailed a major change to the Chrome web browser that specifically hinders and obstructs uBlock Origin, one of the most popular ad blocking extensions with millions of active installations.
Independent ad blocking developers have competed with internet and technology giants over the ethics and methods of online advertising since the early days of the web. Currently, however, Google in particular appears determined to systematically undermine popular ad blocking software to protect its dominant digital advertising business model focused on tracking users and selling high-value targeted ads. Video loading delays on YouTube exemplify Google’s latest salvo against ad blockers seeking to maintain an arms race for the foreseeable future.
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Categories: Technology
Source: vtt.edu.vn