It's not uncommon for Google and YouTube to try curbing users with ad-blockers. Today, recent reports indicate that YouTube is deliberately slowing down video playback for users with active ad‑blocking extensions.
What's Happening?
According to sources, viewers have noticed pauses or black screens early in playback, often for the duration of a typical pre-roll ad. This is coupled with a prompt suggesting they disable their ad blocker or switch to YouTube Premium.
Some users encounter the message “Experiencing interruptions? Find out why” pop-up at the bottom of the player. Those who continue with ad‑blocking enabled may face blocked playback until they disable the extension, update, or restart their browser.
YouTube's "Advice"
According to YouTube’s troubleshooting guidelines, users should check if ad‑blocking extensions interfere with playback and, if necessary, try using an incognito window or disabling all extensions to resolve the issue.
Not surprisingly, this move appears to be part of YouTube’s ongoing response to ad‑blockers, following previous measures like pop-ups warning users or disabling videos altogether. Extension developers are already working to counteract these changes, but the back-and-forth continues.
YouTube Premium in Malaysia
In Malaysia, many are still reluctant to subscribe to the Premium membership. It may have something to do with the price hike back in September 2024, starting from RM12.90 (student), followed by RM20.90 (individual) and RM41.90 (family) per month for Android. Previously, it was RM10.90 for students, RM17.90 for individuals and RM33.90 per month for families.
On iOS, the fee is much higher at RM26.90 and RM54.90 per month for individual and family plans, respectively. This is the only legal way to watch YouTube without using an ad-blocker, which applies to YouTube on the TV as well.
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