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How To Block Ads on YouTube: 5 Free and Low-Cost Ways

YouTube has become an indispensable part of many people‘s lives. It provides entertainment, education, news, and more. However, the video-sharing platform relies heavily on advertising revenue, which means users are subjected to frequent ads before, during, and after videos. These ads can be annoying and disrupt the viewing experience.

Fortunately, there are ways to block ads on YouTube and enjoy an interruption-free viewing experience. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore 5 effective methods to remove ads on YouTube at no cost or low cost.

Why Block Ads on YouTube?

Here are some key reasons why you may want to block ads on YouTube:

  • Avoid interruptions: Ads popping up constantly during videos can be frustrating and ruin the flow. Blocking ads allows uninterrupted viewing.

  • Save time: Watching multiple ads to get to the actual content wastes time. Removing ads saves those precious minutes.

  • Reduce data usage: Ads use up cellular and WiFi data. Blocking them reduces data consumption.

  • Enhanced experience: Ad-free viewing is a cleaner, smoother, and more enjoyable experience.

  • Privacy: Many ads track user data. Blocking them enhances privacy.

  • Support ad-free creators: Some YouTube creators make ad-free content. Blocking ads on all videos supports them.

Method 1: Use a Desktop Browser Ad Blocker

One of the easiest ways to remove YouTube ads is by using an ad blocking extension on your desktop browser. Most popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari support ad blocker extensions.

These browser extensions automatically detect and block ads on YouTube and other sites. They work by preventing ad content from loading.

Some of the top ad blockers for YouTube are:

  • uBlock Origin – Open source, lightweight, and highly effective. Works on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera.

  • AdBlock – Simple to use, blocks various ad types. For Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Safari.

  • AdGuard – Blocks ads and also protects from malware and tracking. On all major browsers.

  • Ghostery – Focuses on privacy by blocking ad trackers. Available for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge.

How to Use an Ad Blocker Browser Extension

Using an ad blocker extension is very easy:

  1. Choose an ad blocker and download it for your browser – uBlock Origin, AdBlock, etc.

  2. Install the ad blocker extension from the Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons site or your browser‘s extension store.

  3. Once installed, the ad blocker will automatically start working to block ads on YouTube and other sites you visit.

  4. You can customize the ad blocker settings based on your preferences. For example, to whitelist your favorite YouTube channels.

  5. To disable the ad blocker for specific videos or channels and see ads, you can simply toggle it off.

That‘s it! The ad blocker will now remove all ads from YouTube for a cleaner viewing experience without interruptions.

Pros of Using an Ad Blocker Browser Extension

  • Works instantly without complex setup or software installation

  • Easy to turn on/off ad blocking for specific sites

  • Often available for free

  • Provides protection across all sites, not just YouTube

  • Wide range of trusted extensions for all major browsers

Cons of Using an Ad Blocker Browser Extension

  • Won‘t work on mobile YouTube app, limited to desktop browsers

  • Requires browser extension installation on each desktop device

  • Ad blockers need frequent updates to tackle YouTube‘s anti-adblock measures

  • YouTube creators don‘t earn ad revenue from blocked ads

Method 2: Install an Ad Blocker App on Mobile

YouTube ads can be particularly annoying on mobile when you‘re trying to watch videos on the go. Fortunately, there are ad blocker apps that can remove ads from the YouTube mobile app on your iPhone or Android phone.

Some top ad blocker apps for mobile YouTube are:

  • AdBlock – Blocks YouTube ads on iOS. Also available as AdBlock Browser on Android.

  • Blokada – Open source ad blocker for Android. Works across apps including YouTube.

  • 1Blocker – Blocks ads and trackers on YouTube for iOS. Created by Safari ad blocker developer.

  • YouTube Vanced – Modified YouTube app for Android that blocks all ads. (Discontinued but still works if already installed.)

How to Use a Mobile Ad Blocker App

Here are the steps to start blocking ads on the YouTube mobile app using an ad blocker:

  1. Install the ad blocker app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

  2. Open the app and enable ad blocking. Some apps run automatically in the background.

  3. The ad blocker will now remove ads from YouTube videos you watch in the mobile app.

  4. Configure any settings like whitelisting channels or custom blocking rules based on your needs.

  5. You can disable the ad blocker anytime if you wish to see ads and support creators.

Pros of Using a Mobile Ad Blocker App

  • Block ads on mobile YouTube without any desktop software

  • Ad blocking works across all apps, not just YouTube

  • Lightweight apps have minimal impact on device performance

  • Easy to turn blocking on and off

  • Options for both iOS and Android mobile devices

Cons of Using a Mobile Ad Blocker App

  • Cannot download YouTube videos for offline viewing like premium

  • Some apps don‘t work reliably on newer Android versions

  • iOS apps cannot block ads within YouTube Kids

  • Paid versions required for all features in some apps

Method 3: Use a Raspberry Pi as a Network-Wide Ad Blocker

A Raspberry Pi is an inexpensive, credit card-sized computer that can be configured as a network-wide ad blocker. This allows all devices on your home WiFi network to have ads blocked, including on YouTube.

The Raspberry Pi runs ad blocking software such as Pi-hole. This works at the network level, so any device that connects to your WiFi will have ads removed from YouTube, whether it‘s your phone, tablet, computer, smart TV, etc.

How to Block YouTube Ads Using a Raspberry Pi

Here are the steps to set up a Raspberry Pi ad blocker:

  1. Get a Raspberry Pi kit with SD card, power supply, case, and optional cooling fans.

  2. Install the Pi-hole software on the Raspberry Pi OS. This can be done wirelessly or using screen/keyboard connected to the Pi.

  3. Configure your router to use the Raspberry Pi as the DNS server. This will funnel all network traffic through Pi-hole.

  4. Pi-hole will now block ads on YouTube and other sites by filtering domain requests and blocking ad-serving domains.

  5. You can access the Pi-hole admin interface to view stats, whitelist sites, etc. The ad blocking works network-wide automatically.

Pros of Using a Raspberry Pi Ad Blocker

  • Blocks ads on all devices on your network, including smart TVs and gaming consoles.

  • No need to install software on each device

  • Can fully automate ad blocking once configured

  • Very cost-effective for network-wide ad removal

Cons of Using a Raspberry Pi Ad Blocker

  • Complex setup required for the Raspberry Pi

  • Ongoing maintenance of Raspberry Pi OS and software

  • Only works for home network, cannot block ads on cellular networks

  • Learning curve involved in mastering Pi-hole

Method 4: Subscribe to YouTube Premium

YouTube Premium (formerly called YouTube Red) is the official paid subscription from YouTube that provides an ad-free viewing experience. It offers the most seamless way to remove ads on YouTube.

In addition to ad-free videos, YouTube Premium provides other benefits like:

  • Download videos to watch offline
  • Play videos in the background on mobile
  • Access YouTube Music Premium
  • Watch exclusive original content

YouTube Premium is available as individual or family plans, with fees ranging from $11.99 to $17.99 per month. There is a 1-month free trial offered so you can test it out.

How YouTube Premium Removes Ads

When you subscribe to YouTube Premium, all ads are automatically blocked before videos. You will no longer see video ads, banner ads, suggested video ads or any other types of advertising on YouTube.

This ad-free experience works across desktop, mobile, smart TVs and other devices. As long as you are logged into your Premium account, you can watch videos without ads.

Creators still get paid via your subscription fee when you watch their videos. So you support them without having to view ads.

Pros of YouTube Premium for Ad Removal

  • Official ad-free experience from YouTube

  • Works across all devices and platforms

  • Still supports video creators financially

  • No anti-adblock measures to circumvent

  • Offline downloads and background play

Cons of YouTube Premium for Ad Removal

  • Monthly or annual cost makes it less affordable long-term

  • Don‘t get advanced controls offered by ad blockers

  • Need premium subscription for each family member‘s account

  • Locked into YouTube‘s payment system

Method 5: Use a VPN Service to Block Ads

Many Virtual Private Network (VPN) providers offer ad blocking capabilities. By routing your traffic through the VPN server, it can filter out ads from YouTube and other sites.

Some top VPNs for blocking YouTube ads include:

  • ExpressVPN – Fast and reliable VPN with Split Tunneling feature to easily block ads only on YouTube.

  • NordVPN – CyberSec feature blocks ads, malware, and trackers. Great speeds for HD video.

  • Surfshark – Provides CleanWeb feature to remove ads along with essential VPN privacy and encryption.

How VPN Ad Blocking Works

Using a VPN to block ads on YouTube involves these steps:

  1. Sign up for a paid VPN service plan like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, etc. that offers ad blocking.

  2. Install and activate the VPN app on your device – desktop or mobile.

  3. Connect to a VPN server. VPNs with ad blocking will automatically filter out YouTube ads.

  4. You can also tweak VPN app settings to fine-tune ad blocking behavior as needed.

  5. Disconnect or pause the VPN when you wish to disable the ad blocking.

Pros of Using a VPN to Block Ads

  • Works across desktop and mobile devices

  • Enhances privacy and provides encrypted data tunnel

  • Fast VPNs have minimal impact on video streaming speed

  • Ability to quickly toggle ad blocking on/off

Cons of Using a VPN to Block Ads

  • Additional monthly cost for a paid VPN subscription
  • VPN connection can slow down internet speeds if server is overloaded
  • Technical learning curve in mastering advanced VPN features
  • Doesn‘t offer full benefits of YouTube Premium

Choose the Best Method for Your Needs

When picking an ideal solution to block YouTube ads, consider factors like your devices, technical comfort level, willingness to pay, and support for creators.

Ad blocker browser extensions provide a quick, easy and free way to remove ads on desktop. For mobile, specialized ad blocking apps do the trick.

For a network-wide solution, the Raspberry Pi option is cost-effective but requires technical setup. YouTube Premium delivers the most seamless ad-free experience, but has a monthly fee.

Finally, VPN services can block ads on desktop and mobile at speed, but also come with a subscription cost.

Evaluate your specific needs and preferences to determine the best ad blocking method for YouTube. With the right solution, you can enjoy videos without annoying ads while still supporting creators when you choose.

Luis Masters

Written by Luis Masters

Luis Masters is a highly skilled expert in cybersecurity and data security. He possesses extensive experience and profound knowledge of the latest trends and technologies in these rapidly evolving fields. Masters is particularly renowned for his ability to develop robust security strategies and innovative solutions to protect against sophisticated cyber threats.

His expertise extends to areas such as risk management, network security, and the implementation of effective data protection measures. As a sought-after speaker and author, Masters regularly contributes valuable insights into the evolving landscape of digital security. His work plays a crucial role in helping organizations navigate the complex world of online threats and data privacy.