DuckDuckGo Browser Now Blocks Most YouTube Video Ads
Quick Look
- DuckDuckGo's browser now blocks most video ads, especially on YouTube, using open-source filters.
- The feature is on by default for most users on iPhone, Windows, and Mac, and will soon be on Android.
- Users may experience longer buffering times.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
DuckDuckGo has introduced a new feature in its browser that blocks most video advertisements, particularly those found on YouTube. This functionality is powered by open-source community filter lists.
DuckDuckGo announced that it can now block most video ads, particularly those on YouTube, when a video is playing in its browser.
In a blog post about the new feature, the company explained that its YouTube ad detection and blocking is based on the open-source community filter lists from uBlockOrigin. DuckDuckGo noted that it may also apply its own rules for better compatibility, but viewers may see longer buffering times when using the blocker and there may still be some unexpected hiccups.
The blocking feature will be on by default for most DuckDuckGo users on iPhone, Windows and Mac. It will be automatically enabled soon on Android but can be manually activated in the browser settings menu in the meantime. All platforms can also have YouTube ad blocking turned on or off from the settings menu. And just to state the obvious, remember you'll actually have to be watching the video in the DuckDuckGo browser rather than the YouTube app in order to take advantage of the blocker.
Open Questions
- Will YouTube implement countermeasures?
- How widespread will buffering issues be?
