Ad, where to wait

Long YouTube Ads Create Frustration

Hour-long ads frustrate users, but it's unclear what's behind the phenomenon.

Ove Kaufeldt

Published 27 January 2025 - 10:06

Youtube shows ads for non-paying users, but now users are reporting up to an hour-long ads that cannot be skipped. However, users have now started reporting extremely long ads, some up to an hour, that cannot be skipped.

It is unclear what exactly is causing the problem that only affects non-paying users. The two leading theories involve the use of software to block ads, so-called adblockers.

One theory is that Youtube manages to identify when someone is using an adblocker and therefore intentionally shows extra-long ads to these users. The publication Android Authority has received a statement from Youtube on the matter where the company simply states that “Ads are a vital lifeline for our creators that help them drive and grow their businesses. That is why the use of ad blockers violates YouTube's terms of service. We have launched a global effort to urge viewers with ad blockers enabled to allow ads on YouTube or try YouTube Premium for an ad-free experience.” In other words, not a direct answer on the matter, even though they neither confirm nor deny.

The second theory is that it may be one or more ad blockers that inadvertently cause the problem themselves via a bug or other unintentional error in the program. This is due to reports where even paying YouTube Premium users see ads when using ad blockers.