AdGuard not affected in new YouTube crackdown on third-party ad-blocking apps
YouTube has stepped up its crackdown on ad blockers and is now targeting third-party ad-blocking apps. In a statement Monday, YouTube said that users of third-party ad-blocking apps may experience “buffering issues” or receive an error message that reads “The following content is not available on this app.”
YouTube said it is enforcing its API terms of service by targeting third-party apps that allow users to watch videos without often multiple and annoying ad interruptions. The stated reason for YouTube’s crackdown is the same as before — the Google-owned platform says blocking ads “prevents the creator from being rewarded for viewership.”
Are AdGuard apps impacted?
It’s important to note that the current wave of restrictions only affects third-party apps that use the YouTube API to implement their ad blocking functionality.
We only allow third-party apps to use our API when they follow our API Services Terms of Service, and when we find an app that violates these terms, we will take appropriate action to protect our platform, creators, and viewers.
As for the AdGuard for Android and AdGuard for iOS apps, they do not use YouTube’s official tools — its API — to block ads. Instead, AdGuard plays the video in its own in-app browser, similar to how you would watch YouTube with an ad blocker in a regular web browser. This method allows AdGuard to use the same filters that are available in the browser.
So, no, AdGuard mobile applications are not affected at this time.
To learn how you can watch ad-free YouTube videos on your PC and mobile with the help of filters available in AdGuard apps, check this video tutorial:
What comes next?
It’s been almost a year since YouTube moved to ramp up its crackdown on ad blockers in earnest. Since then ad blockers and YouTube have been locked in a perpetual cat and mouse game, trying to beat each other to the punch. The results have been a mixed bag.
There’s likely more uncertainty ahead — at least judging by YouTube’s recent moves, they’re not going to drop the ad blocking case anytime soon. The ad blocking community, notably filter maintainers, is not throwing in the towel either, so this tug-of-war is likely to continue.
Another option to consider is to sign up for YouTube Premium if it’s available in your country. This way you’ll avoid all the unpredictability associated with the YouTube crusades. With YouTube Premium, you won’t see any ads on any devices, even those that are not covered by ad blockers. Ultimately, investing in an ad-free subscription will always pay off in terms of improving your overall user experience.
