Innovative Solution Discovered to Combat YouTube Ads
Date: 2023-11-27 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: TECHNOLOGY
Google's Battle Against Ad Blockers
In November, Google escalated its battle against ad blockers, resorting to deliberate delays in video loading if YouTube's algorithms detected any ad-blocking utilities. This move caused disruptions for users seeking uninterrupted video content.
Ad Speedup Extension Emerges
Amid Google's crackdown, a developer using the pseudonym hackhive-io released a beneficial and crucially legal browser extension called Ad Speedup. Designed for browsers like Chrome and others on the Chromium engine, this extension accelerates ad display by a staggering 16 times, minimizing ad duration significantly.
How Ad Speedup Works
This free extension identifies and swiftly shortens 30-second ads to a mere one or two seconds, employing an inbuilt video player without breaching the video hosting platform's regulations. The extension's functionality is showcased in the accompanying video.
Impact on Ad Blockers
While the battle against ad blockers has proven effective, it mainly affects users with AdBlock installed. For instance, uBlock Origin continues to successfully block YouTube ads, albeit temporarily.
Future Implications
Chrome's plans to render ad blockers ineffective from 2024 will also impact other Chromium-based browsers. This shift might leave users with Firefox as a viable alternative, where extensions will continue functioning seamlessly.
