NIXSolutions: YouTube Started Showing Hour-Long Commercials

YouTube, the world’s largest video platform, commonly pauses for ads during video playback, offering a YouTube Premium subscription to those who prefer an ad-free experience. While ad blockers are a popular way to bypass these interruptions, Google, the platform’s owner, is actively opposing their use. Recently, users of ad blockers have reported being subjected to excessively long commercials as a countermeasure.

NIXSolutions

Reports of Extremely Long Ads

Users on Reddit have shared complaints about YouTube displaying unskippable, extended ads when they use ad blockers. Some claim to have encountered ads that outlast the videos themselves — for instance, a 52-minute ad for a 49-minute video or even a 58-minute ad. There have also been mentions of ads lasting up to 10 or even 90 hours, though no evidence has surfaced to confirm such extreme cases. Screenshots posted online indicate the use of ad blockers, as shown by the “Skipping ads” message.

Google has acknowledged these measures. Previously, the company had warned users to disable ad blockers, even restricting video access for those who ignored these warnings. A spokesperson told Android Authority that advertising is essential for creators to sustain and grow their businesses. Consequently, using ad blockers violates YouTube’s Terms of Service. The spokesperson added, “We’ve launched a global campaign to encourage viewers with ad blockers to either allow ads on YouTube or try YouTube Premium to watch ad-free.”

Google’s Response and Future Steps

Standard ads on YouTube are typically 15 seconds long, but the platform is now ramping up efforts to detect and discourage ad blocker users, notes NIXSolutions. While Google did not explicitly confirm showing excessively long ads, it stated that, in extreme cases, users may lose the ability to watch videos altogether.

This ongoing clash between YouTube and ad blockers highlights the platform’s reliance on advertising revenue. As YouTube continues to adapt its strategies, we’ll keep you updated on any further developments.