YouTube has begun a global experiment to curb the use of ad blockers. It is now warning some users that their video playback will be limited to three videos if they persist in using ad blockers.
Video Player Will Be Blocked After 3 Videos
The experiment, which YouTube describes as a “small experiment globally” to Bleeping Computer is aimed at encouraging viewers using ad blockers to either allow ads on YouTube or switch to YouTube Premium. Users have reported seeing a warning message stating, “Video player will be blocked after 3 videos,” followed by, “It looks like you may be using an ad blocker. Video playback will be blocked unless YouTube is allowlisted or the ad blocker is disabled.”
YouTube has made it clear that it will only block video playback in “extreme cases” where users continue to use ad blockers despite repeated warnings. The company has emphasized that it takes the disabling of playback very seriously and will only resort to this measure if viewers consistently ignore requests to allow ads on YouTube.
Ad-Earnings Growth and YouTube Premium
This experiment is part of a broader strategy by YouTube to encourage users to subscribe to its premium service, YouTube Premium. This service offers an ad-free experience and has been gaining popularity, with the number of subscribers recently surpassing 80 million.
Revenue from Ads and Premium Subscribers
