Stop seeing ads on YouTube now – Are you thinking of bypassing YouTube ads? In this article, we will show you how to stop YouTube ads as viewer to put an end to those pesky ads so you can watch your favorite cat videos without interruptions.

If you’ve ever found yourself groaning at the sight of yet another YouTube ad, rest assured—you’re not alone. I’ve been there too, fingers itching to skip the ad the moment those five seconds are up.

Why Do We Even See YouTube Ads?

Before diving into the methods, let’s quickly chat about why YouTube ads exist in the first place. YouTube uses advertising as its primary revenue stream and also shares some of that ad revenue with content creators. This model enables many creators to keep producing all the great content we love—so by watching ads, you’re indirectly supporting them.

That said, if you’ve decided ads just aren’t your thing, there are a few ways you can reduce or completely eliminate them as a viewer.

Read Also: 3 Easy Ways to download YouTube videos on iPhone

How to Stop YouTube Ads as Viewer

Discover how to stop YouTube ads as a viewer with these simple methods. From YouTube Premium to ad-blocker extensions, learn the pros, cons, and the easiest ways to enjoy videos ad-free.

Feel free to pick the method that suits you best—and enjoy those cat videos (or whatever you’re into!) without the annoying interruptions.

Method 1. YouTube Premium

Best for: Viewers who want a hassle-free, legitimate way to watch ad-free YouTube.

• How It Works: YouTube Premium is a subscription service offered by YouTube itself. Once you sign up, you won’t see ads on any YouTube videos. Plus, you get the added benefits of offline downloads and YouTube Music.
• Why It’s Great: You’re still supporting creators (YouTube distributes a portion of your subscription fee to them) and you don’t have to wrestle with extensions or constantly update software.
• Things to Note: There’s a monthly fee, which might not appeal to everyone. However, YouTube often offers free trial periods, so give it a shot to see if it’s worth it.

Method 2. Use Ad Blocker Extensions to stop YouTube ads as viewer

Best for: Desktop viewers who primarily watch YouTube on a laptop or PC via a web browser.

See: Popular Ad Blocker Extensions for Youtube

• AdBlock (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
  Easy to install, user-friendly, and widely recognized.
• uBlock Origin (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
  Known for its efficiency and low resource usage.
• AdBlock Plus (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
  Offers customizable filtering options to tailor your browsing experience.

Pros & Cons of Using Ad Blockers

• Pros
  • Free to use.
  • Simple, straightforward installation.
  • Can also block ads on other websites.
• Cons
  • May occasionally interfere with webpage layouts.
  • Requires regular updates to keep up with YouTube’s changes.
  • Some creators (and YouTube) frown upon it, as it affects revenue streams.

Method 3. Use Brave Browser

Best for: Users who want a simpler approach without relying on multiple extensions.

• What Is Brave?
  Brave is a privacy-focused browser that comes with built-in ad-blocking. When you browse YouTube using Brave, most ads are automatically blocked.

• How to Use:

  1. Download Brave Browser from its official website.
  2. Install and open Brave.
  3. Visit YouTube and watch your favorite videos without the usual interruptions.

• Potential Drawback:
  Sometimes, Brave might not perfectly block every YouTube ad, as platform updates may temporarily bypass the browser’s default filters. Still, it does a pretty solid job most of the time.

Read Also: 6 Steps to Block Channels on YouTube

YouTube Premium Mobile App

• If you have YouTube Premium, simply use the official YouTube app on Android or iOS. No ads, no fuss.

Third-Party Apps and Browsers

• Ad-Blocking Browsers (iOS & Android)
  Some mobile browsers come with built-in ad-blockers (e.g., Brave for mobile, Firefox Focus for iOS). You can watch YouTube via the browser instead of the official YouTube app to reduce ads.
• DNS-Based Ad Blockers
  Apps like AdGuard (for Android) or specialized DNS services can filter out ads system-wide, but setup can be more technical and results may vary.

Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

• Impact on Creators
  By blocking ads, you reduce the revenue creators earn, which could affect their ability to produce free content. If you watch a particular channel regularly and love their content, consider supporting them through channel memberships, merchandise, or direct donations.
• YouTube’s Terms of Service
  While using an ad blocker isn’t outright illegal, some argue it goes against YouTube’s terms of service. That’s between you and YouTube, but it’s worth being aware of.
• Subscription Costs
  YouTube Premium is the most straightforward, TOS-compliant way to remove ads, but it comes with a monthly fee. Evaluate whether the cost is worth the uninterrupted viewing experience.
• Regular Updates Required
  If you rely on ad blockers, expect to update them often. YouTube continually updates its ad delivery system, and you’ll need the latest extension or filter list to keep up.

Read Also: How to Turn on Comments on YouTube

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the best method to stop YouTube ads depends on your personal preferences. If you want to support creators while enjoying an ad-free experience, YouTube Premium is the way to go. If you’re on a tight budget or primarily watch YouTube on your laptop, browser-based ad blockers or privacy-focused browsers can do the trick.

Whatever route you choose, take a moment to consider the bigger picture. Ads can be annoying, sure, but they also fuel the content creation ecosystem. If you find a channel that really resonates with you, think about showing them some love—through a subscription, merch purchase, or a simple “thumbs up.” After all, that’s what keeps YouTube full of fresh, fun, and free videos.

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