YouTube's anti-adblock rollout has finally arrived for Firefox users

I’m sure many of you are already aware that YouTube has been rolling out anti-adblock detection for Chrome users for a few weeks now.

Today, as a long time Firefox user with the fantastic uBlock Origin extension installed, I got my first anti-adblock popup on the platform. Note that this may not happen to you personally for a while, but it is inevitably coming for everyone.

Thankfully, the fine folks at uBlock Origin have already advised a simple workaround (on Reddit, yuck!) which I will duplicate in a simplified form below for your convenience. I have tested it on Firefox and it is working fine for me (so far).

PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW ALL OF THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS POST.

  1. Update uBO to the latest version (1.52.0+) . <== The extension itself, for technical improvements. You do this in your browser.
  2. Remove your custom config / reset to defaults. <== This means removing your custom filters (or disabling My filters) and disabling ALL additional lists you’ve enabled. It might be quicker to make a backup of your config and restore to defaults instead.
  3. Force an update of your Filter Lists. <== This is within the extension. Lists are what determine what’s blocked or not. How to update Filter lists: Click 🛡️ uBO’s icon > the ⚙ Dashboard button > the Filter lists pane > the 🕘 Purge all caches button > the 🔃 Update now button.
  4. Disable all other extensions AND your browser’s built-in blockers. <== No need to uninstall, just disable them. They might interfere with our solutions.

Make sure you follow all 4 points above. If you’re seeing the message, it’s likely due to your custom config (either additional lists or separate filters in My filters).

Restarting your browser afterwards may help too.

Once you’ve gotten rid of the issue on default settings, you can slowly start restoring your config (if you really need it). Do it gradually, to easier find out what was causing the issue in the first place. Once you find the culprit, simply skip it in your config.

If you want to use Enhancer for YouTube*, you have to* disable its adblocking*.*

May the force uBlock Origin be with you!

Update

Just wanted to mention a few things that have been pointed out in the comments:

  • There are quite a few projects that provide an alternative ad-free front end to YouTube. These include Invidious, FreeTube, LibreTube, Newpipe, Revanced, and I’m sure there are several more options I’ve missed. I don’t have any particular preference really but I routinely use NewPipe on my cellphone just because I tried it once and couldn’t be bothered trying all the others.
  • In step 4 listed above, to clarify, afaik you only need to remove adblocker extensions (if you have more than one installed) that might conflict with the uBlock Origin rules and trigger the anti-adblock, not all extensions.
  • If you hate non-stop ads but want to support your favorite content creators then be sure to give them some love on Patreon or whatever alternative options they provide. Creators typically make only a tiny, tiny fraction of what YouTube makes in ad revenue, assuming YouTube doesn’t just outright steal the lot, and it’s a shitty business model that’s ruining the internet. Even if you watch the ads, you’re only supporting YouTube most of the time, not the creators.
RandomPancake,

I see a lot of people saying “but that’s how creators get paid”.

Listen: I didn’t put ads on my video. YouTube did. I can’t take them off and I don’t see a cent from them. Block away.

Cheers,

To add, you have to become a partner before ever seeing a penny, which means you’ve fronted all the start up costs.

WarmApplePieShrek,

Use adblock, then work an extra 3 minutes and donate your salary to the creator.

PoisonedPrisonPanda,

Genuine question:

Do you host your content on other platforms (like lbry/odysee) as well?

HidingCat,

I think that's how some creators do get paid. Large enough channels will get some form of revenue sharing from YouTube. That's why when a video is demonetised the creators get very upset. As is when YT does some fuckery with their algorithms and their views plummet.

Mind, the rates keep getting worse, from what I hear. Hence more and more pateron and in-video promos, it's a better and more stable source of income.

RandomPancake,

I’m sure some do, but I also don’t hang out to watch “10 most fatal crashes (#2 will amaze you)” and “here’s a 10-minute SEO-optimized video to tell you something that would otherwise take 20 seconds to read” videos, which are probably typical “creators”.

Draconic_NEO,
@Draconic_NEO@lemmy.dbzer0.com avatar

Not to mention a majority of those channels are content/ad farms that probably deserve to die anyway. AKA you should block their ads or better yet avoid watching them entirely because they are leeching off the platform and hurting legitimate creators because those channels are run by companies who pump out highly produced videos faster than any legitimate creator could to rake in money from ads and sponsorships, their videos are also often filled with disinformation.

I’m talking about channels like TroomTroom, 5 minute crafts, etc. but there are also others out there centered around subjects outside of DIY.

Kichae, (edited )

The criteria for getting monetized really aren’t that big. They don’t have to be that large, and most small to medium sized channels will usually make more from direct sponsors and supporters. But also, those are the creators working on the thinnest margins, and they definitely feel the loss of the YouTube ad money.

But the bigger issue is that demonitized videos just don’t get promoted as heavily. The reduction in reach is a major blow to small and medium sized channels, as reach is how creators find new supporters, and it has an impact on future direct sponsorship potential. Plus if you have multiple videos demonitized, you can get your whole channel demonitized.

Edit: Autocorrect believes “deminitized” is a word.

HughJanus,

I see a lot of people saying “but that’s how creators get paid”

And they’re not wrong. But they put themselves in this position when they uploaded their videos to servers owned by one of the worst corporations in the world, with massive privacy implications, and no alternatives.

I watch them on other platforms when they make it available.

WarmApplePieShrek,

They are wrong. Most creators don’t get paid from ads.

HughJanus,

…yes? They do.

Critical_Insight,

I think you need 1000 subscribers to be able to monetize your videos. That’s not an issue for the well known youtubers but the vast majority of them don’t make a penny.

Also, you watching hours of ads makes few cents for the content creator. By donating one dollar directly they’ve already made more than they ever would from ads.

HamSwagwich,

No, they don’t. Only a very small percentage of the videos on Youtube end up making any money for the creators.

HughJanus, (edited )

That’s because only a very small percentage of creators get enough views to make tangible amounts of money…probably the same ones you actually watch.

BigBananaDealer,
@BigBananaDealer@lemm.ee avatar

its why even with ads they use sponsers

jcit878,

id actually love to see the breakdown of channels with content by subscriber count/youtube partnership status. I suspect a very large percentage will be non monetised. speaking from experience it either takes a shitload of work to get the ability to earn literally a few dollars or you somehow get lucky with a “viral” hit. even people in my niche the “big ones” make maybe a couple hundred bucks a year in ad revenue

ours,

But it wasn’t always that way. Creators had to survive multiple crises as Youtube made sudden changes that impacted their livelihoods.

Those that survived rely on merch, patronage platforms, paid promotions, and promoting their content on other paid platforms.

Resonosity,

Yeah, Nebula is an alternative that’s trying to grow. Think it’s creator owned too which is nice. I haven’t made the switch yet, but if I wanted to support creators directly I’d choose Nebula over YouTube. And if I could, I’d send money straight to them via Patreon or PayPal or other.

HughJanus,

I mean I have >200 subscriptions so that would get expensive quickly.

Resonosity,

Rotate monthly tips! Or only tip your favorite

Corgana,
@Corgana@startrek.website avatar

Creators are victims here too. For most of them YouTube was a very different place when they were beginning their careers on the platform.

Not that it changes your point, I just feel it’s important to keep in mind that the process of “Enshittification” sucks for everyone (well, except shareholders).

lambalicious,

Creators are victims here too.

Eeeeh that’s wildly arguable. It costs marginally $0 for a creator to upload their content to some other platform besides (not instead of) Youtube. If they don’t, and then they complain that people don’t Monetize Them, to me it feels like they are trying to, in ethical terms, make bystanders feel guilty that they (creators) are whoring out in public.

XiELEd,
@XiELEd@lemmy.world avatar

Their content has better reach on Youtube, though. And has a better comment section which would be relevant to the video (which Oddysee has a problem with)

lambalicious,

Better comment section? Youtube is basically an incel / right-wing / flatearther comment pile.

XiELEd,
@XiELEd@lemmy.world avatar

In my experience Odyssey has that too, even on unrelated videos, and they’re often liked for some reason. Atleast on Youtube you see those comments only on newest

Nihilore,
@Nihilore@lemmy.world avatar

I have a note in the description of every video that say “seeing ads on my videos? Use ublock origin!”

RandomPancake,

That’s a really good idea!

ininewcrow, (edited )
@ininewcrow@lemmy.ca avatar

Even with videos I enjoy from channels I really like, I block all ads … and if they have a 30 second spot in their video to plug some product or service, I fast forward it to skip their personalized ad spot.

I don’t want ads … if I want to give you money, I’ll give you money because I like you or the things you do or the things you make … not because of some dumb product that you think makes you look good.

If I like a channel or personality or artist or singer or someone just makes me laugh … I send a dollar, a fiver or even a ten depending on how good it was.

If everyone did that, no one who makes a video would care about ads.

LemmyIsFantastic,

Blah blah blah blah.

I don’t care who does and who doesn’t get paid, and I’ll come up with every excuse to ignore that pesky creator income.

The mental hoops you all go through is insane. It’s on par with Trumpers, just less damaging.

RandomPancake,

You think I’m jumping through mental hoops for telling people to use an ad blocker?

TwoGems,
@TwoGems@lemmy.world avatar

Except they don’t. They get demonetization from literally breathing from Google who treats them like shit, so it’s best to donate to their patreons anyway.

Karyoplasma,

Next step from Google will be to make creators that have Patreon set up be ineligible for ad revenue or ban linking/mentioning Patreon outright.

captain_aggravated,
@captain_aggravated@sh.itjust.works avatar

Their demonetization “policy” or lack thereof is a major reason why I block ads. I don’t believe that Alphabet operates in good faith in this matter.

iforgotmyinstance,

The RIAA and MPAA are the driving force behind the copystrike behavior. I do think Alphabet has the resources and standing to resist and battle it in court, but that’s clearly not their business model. Alphabet is not invested in protecting content generators, only in what metrics they can sell to ad agencies.

agressivelyPassive,

It’s not a copyright problem. You get demonitized for saying “suicide” for example. They want an artificial happy place where no bad things happen and we can all have fun watching ads forever.

aceshigh,
@aceshigh@lemmy.world avatar

… and rape and sexual assault and pedophile… some videos (like on cults) are really weird to watch cus so many words are bleeped out.

Whirlybird,

Those aren’t this only things that cause you to be demonetised though. Having the wrong opinion is enough.

WarmApplePieShrek,

And not the usual “wrong opinion”. Some platforms demonetise you for the wrong opinion “hitler had the right idea” but youtube demonetises you for the wrong opinion “right to repair”

captain_aggravated,
@captain_aggravated@sh.itjust.works avatar

In the words of TomSka: “Ayy it’s Youtube. We’re going to demonetize and age restrict this video.” “WHY?!” “Ohoho we ain’t gonna tell you. But don’t do it again.”

I have so little sympathy for Google.

zkfcfbzr, (edited )

That’s not even always the issue though - like recently Veritasium had an ancient video demonitized for mentioning that the subject of the video committed suicide, so now their most recent video is a censored re-upload of it. They include a new segment talking about the frustrating demonitization scheme Youtube has.

conciselyverbose,

Alphabet doesn't have to battle it.

If they just had copyright owners use the DMCA process, creators could counterclaim illegitimate takedowns and Google would have no liability for leaving the content up as proscribed by the claim process.

They choose to do their far more aggressive alternate system instead. It's not out of any obligation or legal exposure.

RagingNerdoholic,

Not even, though. Practically all the YouTube “creators” these days have [this part of the video is brought to you by scandanavian interwebz to keep out teh hax0rs] sponsored segments that are [Have you shaved your fuckin’ nutsack lately bro? Check out this ball hair trimmer from clipyerjunk dot com] littered throughout [zzzzzzzzzip … ^reecrootah ] their videos.

That being said, some of them at least put effort into finding and vetting content-relevant sponsors that can actually be helpful. I can kinda just barely tolerate those.

jochem,

I can strongly recommend the SponsorBlock extention (also available in revanched).

lemming741,

I run a private invidious instance

RagingNerdoholic,

Oh sheeeit! I used revanced on Android, but I had no idea there was also a Firefox extension for that. Thanks!

CosmicTurtle,

Anyone else remember the first ad-pocalypse?

Like when OG AdBlock was created and there was an all-out race between individual websites and AdBlock?

Then OG AdBlock sold out and allowed “approved” ads to still show.

We are seeing history repeat. The only reason ads survived was due to increasing number of users who weren’t using adblock.

Now, with market saturation, Google is starting to fight back.

I would absolutely love to see a revitalization on proxy software specifically designed to eliminate ads and tracking. I haven’t looked into this in quite some time but I think we’re crossing into this territory now.

The pessimist in me says to look out for a bill authored by Google to make adblocking illegal.

But the optimist in me says “the Internet sees censorship as damage and routes around it.”

HughJanus,

I would absolutely love to see a revitalization on proxy software specifically designed to eliminate ads and tracking.

You’re in luck because we already have several. Namely Piped and Invidious.

Holzkohlen,

Do regular apps and desktop applications like freetube and newpipe count?

HughJanus,

FreeTube uses Invidious proxy (if enabled).

Newpipe uses Piped proxy.

takeda,

The current Google approach is adding attestation to Google Chrome. They claim that it is to stop bots, but it can (and will be, they are slow boiling us) also used to block adblockers.

Anyone who cares about free (as freedom) should stop using chrome and clones and switch to Firefox.

Engywuck,

No, thanks. Mozilla is the worst of the open source world. I prefer not to give them market share. Brave works beautifully for me and YouTube may disappear tomorrow and my life wouldn’t change a single bit.

MossyFeathers,

Brave is based on chromium, which is open-source via Google. Now, I may have this wrong, but my understanding is that the reason why Safari, Chrome, Firefox and Chromium-based browsers are the only browsers still around is because Apple, Google and Mozilla are the only companies with the money to keep up with all the new “standards” and features Google keeps shoving into Chrome. While Chromium may be open-source, if Google pulls the plug then it’ll only be a matter of time before the Chromium browsers run out of steam and can no longer keep up. I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s part of Google’s plan. Keep people in the ecosystem by giving them the illusion that they’re using a different browser while maintaining control over the browser they use and the ability to force them onto a different browser at any time.

This is all ignoring the fact that Brave is a shitty browser. I can’t remember where I read this, but supposedly Brave collects a lot of data on your usage despite advertising itself as a privacy-conscious browser.

Engywuck,

FUD and ignorance. Please stop bothering me.

googlrr,

Brave the chromium based crypto browser better than Firefox? Mozilla isn’t perfect but you’re off your rocker if you think that is better.

Engywuck, (edited )

Boy, I’ve been a FF user for 20 years before. Don’t try to school me, please. And yes, Brave is actually much better than FF and I enjoy a lot using it.

Resonosity,

You keep saying that you were a proponent of FF back in the day, but the fact that you aren’t giving credence to the experiences that made you switch lessens your credibility and weakens any persuasion power you might have on people switching from FF to Brave.

It would help your cause to explain what made you switch so others might understand you.

But from your demeanor, it seems like you dgaf about other people. So I guess that’s fair.

IzzyData,
@IzzyData@lemmy.ml avatar

If adblocking becomes illegal I’m done using the internet.

azl,

There will always be a free internet. It just may not be the one currently dominated by corporate datacenters.

nicman24,

I am going back to irc and telnet bbs

JavaScript was a mistake

DarkenLM,

Without JS, you wouldn't have ad blockers and youtube could just bake their ads on the videos themselves while streaming them. Thinking about it, I don't think it's off the table for them.

nicman24,

changing displayed elements does not need js.

DarkenLM,

In order to delete an element or replace it based on a list, you definitely need JS. You have no other way to access the DOM.

nicman24,

yes that is what exists in this reality.

Draconic_NEO,
@Draconic_NEO@lemmy.dbzer0.com avatar

If adblocking becomes illegal people will still do it (and you should too), some really stupid article tried to claim circumventing Anti-Adblock was illegal under DMCA a while back (interestingly they took it down when people continued to block their ads) and the filter providers did it anyway. Piracy still happens in countries where it’s criminalized, ad blocking will continue, though the Quorans (used them as an example because they’re the biggest snobs about the law and ethics) and people like them will likely use it less, though it’s not like they don’t already think it’s wrong (some also think it’s already illegal).

IzzyData,
@IzzyData@lemmy.ml avatar

To be fair I don’t think it is possible to come up with a legitimate argument for making adblocking illegal. You would have to argue that people aren’t allowed to own anything such as their computers.

AeroLemming,

The only real argument that could work would be that watching ads to get content is a form of transaction and not watching ads is therefore akin to piracy. However, this exact same argument could be used to ban ALL forms of unsolicited advertising (billboards, junk mail, etc) because under that model, many advertisers are essentially committing theft of your time and attention, which is shown to have some amount of monetary value by the previous transaction argument.

metaStatic,

as long as data caps exist all advertising on the internet is theft.

TimewornTraveler,

Whoa, like they’re stealing from ME? Never thought about it like that…

yukichigai,
yukichigai avatar

I would absolutely love to see a revitalization on proxy software specifically designed to eliminate ads and tracking. I haven’t looked into this in quite some time but I think we’re crossing into this territory now.

Privoxy is still being actively worked on. Not sure how well it works for YouTube though. I suppose we may see a flurry of activity on that front if they keep pushing this.

WarmApplePieShrek,

The pessimist in me says to look out for a bill authored by Google to make adblocking illegal.

But the optimist in me says “the Internet sees censorship as damage and routes around it.”

They’re both right.

RandomPancake,

The pessimist in me says to look out for a bill authored by Google to make adblocking illegal.

“These brave content creators, who produce such culturally significant shows as ‘Ow my balls’ and ‘Matrix 1999 [full rip]’, are being literally murdered by hackers who use adblockers. These pirates use their hacking technology to steal this content and threaten our very way of life. While we regret resorting to legislation, we are left with no choice but to show these thieves the harsh reality of the criminal justice system.”

antonim,

The pessimist in me says to look out for a bill authored by Google to make adblocking illegal.

Not a lawyer, but that doesn’t sound legally possible. It’s like turning off the sound when the ads on TV start, you must have the right to consume the data that has been delivered to you however you desire.

WarmApplePieShrek,

Do you know what the DMCA is?

Karyoplasma,

A user rights violation that caters to enterprises and claims that it protects the creators?

grue,

Thanks, this is super-timely. I opened this thread, decided to try playing a video, and the prompt popped up.

kzhe,

Concern I’d have if I didn’t use Piped:

I’m on AdNauseum and not uBO because I like the idea of actively resisting advertising culture and protesting through obfuscation, etc. So might not work for me

Draconic_NEO,
@Draconic_NEO@lemmy.dbzer0.com avatar

I don’t think Adnauseam ever registered clicks on YouTube (correct me if I’m wrong) just blocks the ads.

LemmyIsFantastic,

Oh good, round 3. I really can’t wait to have 10 posts each time Google updates its ad blocking code.

Flatworm7591,

This post is 4 months old my dude. Maybe the problem is that you don’t know how to filter your feed?

¯_(ツ)_/¯

LarmyOfLone,

I switched to FreeTube and it’s pretty good so far. I’m missing a few things and better browser integration but it’s great.

Hovenko,
@Hovenko@iusearchlinux.fyi avatar

SOLUTION:

  • just right click on the message and ‘block element’ :D

or paste this to your filters: www.youtube.com##tp-yt-paper-dialog.ytd-popup-container.style-scope www.youtube.com##.opened

moosetwin,
@moosetwin@lemmy.dbzer0.com avatar

Has anyone experienced the popup with any of these extensions?: (on firefox)

  • Sponsorblock
  • ClearURLs
  • Return Youtube Dislike
  • Consent-O-Matic
  • DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials
  • Hide Shorts For Youtube
  • FastForward
  • (unmodified) uBlock Origin
  • (unmodified) Violent Monkey

I am still getting the issue, and I think it’s probably ClearURLs that’s causing it, but I wanted to check in with everyone else first.

KidsTryThisAtHome,

No pop-up (I have premium) but I noticed return YouTube dislike no longer seems to be working, whereas sponsor block is still working fine

HawlSera,

I think I’m going to go ahead and do a let’s play for peer tube in order to help promote YouTube alternatives. So I look forward to a let’s play of Phoenix Wright I guess

Nice_Melt_Pleb,

I followed all of these steps and still got my player blocked. Ublock origin is the only adblocker on my browser too. So now I use freetube

HeChomk,

100% this. The ublock team are doing a fantastic job but Google are tweaking their script 2 or 3 times a day, causing the ublock team to constantly play catch up. As a user, all this has done is made me move to a more customisable front end, freetube. It’s legitimately faster to browse and load videos than the main YouTube Web page, comes with sponsorblock built in, and allows easier profile switching, all with no ads or bullshit.

I’d have never searched for or known about it if YouTube hadn’t gone batshit crazy with the ad block blocker.

Fuck em.

Guster,

Time to switch to DuckDuck

InternetTubes,

I mean, I saw the warnings, but still could close them and keep watching them. Still, I ended up getting Premium to support YT streamers I watch without ads. It’s either that or that YouTube dies with a domino effect on the industry of small time streamers. I watch it far more than Netflix or Disney Plus, and have payed zero cents for the convenience of adblock. I’ll still keep it installed to use with other Google accounts, but I have no problem paying.

I can understand the people that are angry because a service that has been free for so long begins charging, but don’t be disingenuous and begin saying that the service doesn’t cost anything to maintain, or worse, that the whole business model is nonviable when it’s asking about the same for premium as other streaming services that have been having no problem existing, specially when the money coming out of those services should be in recent memory considering it was one of the major points regarding the writer’s strike (getting a cut from streaming).

Goodman,

I don’t mind paying either, but I think that premium is just a bad deal.

InternetTubes,

It only seems like a bad deal because everything we’ve been getting has been free so far and the content isn’t coming from major Hollywood producers. It’s about on par with Netflix and Disney+, except we consume a lot more of YouTube. I’m pretty sure they are also taking into account that some people will continue adblocking. They need a lot more moderation than Netflix of Disney+ and they have a lot more load on their servers and consumption per user.

As an aside, people can downvote all they want, but if they are really going to push for this, they might better spend their time searching for alternatives that won’t domino alongside YouTube if this is countermovement is really going to be a thing.

chicken,

YouTube dies with a domino effect on the industry of small time streamers

If YouTube died, people wouldn’t stop streaming, it would just boost competitors and/or open the possibility for new platforms to come into existence.

InternetTubes,

Oh, and regarding the “Update”, most of those are still relying on YT hosting, and the independent exceptions aren’t dealing with even a fraction of the bandwidth or moderation costs, never mind actually paying content creators for their content. Yes, this is a piracy community, I just tend to mind it more when the content creators being affected aren’t Hollywood.

cmysmiaczxotoy,

Nothing has changed for me yet on firefox. Is this supposed to be rolled out to everyone?

A_Asselin,

It rolled out to me yesterday (Firefox/Linux/ublock in the midwest USA on comcast) and the “fix” instantly “fixed” it… but I still prefer Freetube.

SuperSpruce,

I’ve noticed when I browse YT on Firefox with uBlock origin (usually for non-YPP channels or game OST videos I don’t really want anyone profiting off of), everything grays out after a second. Currently I can click f to go full screen and remove that, but I don’t think this workaround will work for long.

FeelzGoodMan420,

What if you never log in with an account, and your browser is set to autoclear on quit? Does this effect you if you just ignore the warnings?

skillful_garbage,

They can still track you by other data such as IP, user agent, and system info. I don’t know that they’re doing this for sure, but I have a hunch that they are. It’s google lol

TrousersMcPants,

Afaik it doesn’t effect you at all if you’re not signed in

FeelzGoodMan420,

That’s actually really funny.

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