How to Block Ads on YouTube: Effective Methods

YouTube ads can be frustrating, especially when they interrupt your favorite videos. Fortunately, there are several ways to block ads on YouTube, whether you’re using a desktop browser, mobile device, or smart TV.

1. Use an Ad Blocker Extension (Desktop)

The easiest way to block YouTube ads on a computer is by installing an ad blocker extension. Some of the best options include:

• uBlock Origin (Free, lightweight, and effective)

• AdBlock Plus (Popular but allows some “acceptable ads”)

• AdGuard (Blocks ads, trackers, and malware)

How to Install:

1. Open Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

2. Go to the extension store (Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, etc.).

3. Search for your preferred ad blocker and click “Add to Browser.”

4. Refresh YouTube, and ads should be gone.

2. Use YouTube Premium (Official Ad-Free Solution)

If you prefer a legal and hassle-free method, YouTube Premium removes all ads and offers additional perks like:

• Background play on mobile

• Access to YouTube Music

• Offline downloads

Cost: Starts at $13.99/month (varies by region).

3. Use an Ad-Blocking Browser (Mobile & Desktop)

Some browsers come with built-in ad-blocking features:

• Brave Browser (Blocks ads & trackers by default)

• Opera (Includes a free VPN and ad blocker)

• Firefox + uBlock Origin (Manual setup required)

4. Modify DNS Settings (Smart TVs & Mobile)

Some ads come from specific domains that can be blocked via DNS filtering.

For Android & Smart TVs:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Private DNS.

2. Enter: dns.adguard.com

3. Save and restart your device.

For iOS (iPhone/iPad):

1. Install AdGuard Pro or NextDNS from the App Store.

2. Follow the setup instructions to enable DNS-based ad blocking.

5. Use Third-Party YouTube Apps (Mobile)

Some apps provide ad-free YouTube viewing:

• NewPipe (Open-source, no ads, background play)

• YouTube ReVanced (Modded YouTube app with ad-blocking)

• SmartTubeNext (For Android TV/Fire TV)

Note: These apps are not available on the official app stores, so download them from trusted sources.

6. SponsorBlock (Skip Sponsored Segments)

Even if you block ads, some YouTubers include sponsorships. SponsorBlock (a browser extension) automatically skips these segments.

Blocking YouTube ads is possible through various methods, from browser extensions to DNS changes and third-party apps. While ad blockers are the easiest solution, YouTube Premium is the most reliable if you want to support creators. Choose the method that works best for your device and enjoy an uninterrupted viewing experience!