There are a few different methods you can use to block or avoid seeing ads on YouTube without paying for YouTube Premium.
The easiest options are to use an ad-blocking browser extension or switch to an internet browser that has built-in ad blocking.
You can also use a free third-party YouTube app on your mobile device that does not show ads.
Changing some settings in your Google account can also reduce the number of ads you see.
While tricky, it is possible to block ads on YouTube for free if you’re willing to put in some effort.
Use an ad-blocking browser extension
The easiest way for most people to block YouTube ads is by using an ad-blocking extension on your browser. Browser extensions are little software programs that add extra functionality to your browser.
There are several good ad blocking extensions available, they’re free, and they’re very easy to set up.
My personal favorite is uBlock Origin. It’s available for Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and a few other browsers.
Once you install it, the ads on YouTube are automatically blocked. Most people are surprised by how well it works.
No more video ads, banner ads, sidebar ads, etc. It catches almost all of them.
To set it up, you just search for uBlock Origin in your browser’s app store.
In Chrome, you’d go to the Chrome Web Store.
In Firefox, go to the Firefox Add-Ons site. Click add or install like you normally would for other extensions.
Then make sure uBlock Origin is enabled in your list of extensions. That’s seriously all there is to it!
Now when you go to YouTube, the ads are magically blocked. Sometimes Google will try new tricks to push ads through, so uBlock Origin may miss a few.
But it’s super easy to right click on any ad that gets through and block that element specifically. Over time, you’ll have YouTube ads completely blocked.
Other good options are Adblock Plus or just regular AdBlock.
Lots of folks have success with those too. The process is the same – install it, make sure it’s enabled, and enjoy an ad-free YouTube experience.
They have versions for all the major browsers.
The best part about using an ad-blocking extension is that once it’s installed, the ads are automatically blocked.
You don’t have to change any settings or configure anything. Just browse YouTube normally and the ads will be gone. It makes watching YouTube much more enjoyable.
Give it a try – you can always remove the extension if you change your mind. But I bet once you see how great it is, you’ll never go back!
Use a browser with built-in ad-blocking
Some lesser-known internet browsers actually have ad blocking functionality built right in. Using one of these browsers can let you avoid YouTube ads without installing anything extra.
Browsers with built-in ad blocking include:
- Brave – Chrome based browser with very effective ad blocking enabled by default.
- Epic – Privacy focused browser that blocks ads and trackers.
- Opera – Includes a built-in ad blocker that can be enabled.
Since ad blocking is included by default, these browsers will automatically block YouTube ads the moment you start using them. No extra setup or downloads needed.
To start browsing YouTube ad-free:
- Download and install the ad blocking browser.
- Launch the browser and go to YouTube.
- Enjoy YouTube without any ads.
The convenience of built-in ad blocking means zero effort on your part. Just use the browser normally and ads are automatically blocked. Switching browsers can take some adjustment however.
Use a third party YouTube app
On mobile devices, you can avoid YouTube ads by using third party YouTube apps rather than the official app. Many alternative YouTube apps do not show any ads.
Some top ad-free YouTube apps include:
- Newpipe – Open source Android YouTube app with no ads.
- YouTube Vanced – Modified YouTube app for Android that blocks ads.
- Cercube – iOS YouTube app without ads or popups.
These third party apps offer a complete YouTube experience with none of the annoying ads. They allow features like background play and downloading videos too.
To start enjoying ad-free YouTube:
- Download one of the alternative YouTube apps.
- Allow installation from unknown sources if required.
- Open the app and enjoy YouTube without ads.
Using a third party app makes blocking ads incredibly easy. Be aware that unofficial apps come with some risks and may lack access to all YouTube features.
Adjust Google account settings
You can reduce the number of ads you see on YouTube by adjusting the ad settings associated with your Google account.
To limit ad personalization:
- Visit the Google Ads Settings page while signed into your Google account.
- Under “Ads Personalization”, toggle the setting off.
- Save your preferences at the bottom.
With personalization off, you should see fewer interest-based ads on YouTube tailored specifically to you.
You can take it a step further by turning off ad personalization for your entire Google account. This will minimize ads across all Google services including YouTube.
To disable ad personalization completely:
- Go to your Google Account settings.
- Go to “Data & Personalization”.
- Under “Ad Personalization”, toggle “Ad Personalization” off.
- Confirm by pressing “Turn Off”.
With ad personalization entirely off, the ads you see will be more general instead of targeted. This translates to fewer YouTube ads overall.
Use a VPN or proxy service
Connecting to YouTube through a VPN or proxy service can sometimes reduce the number of ads shown.
This tricks YouTube into thinking you’re accessing it from a different country or location.
To try avoiding ads using a VPN or proxy:
- Sign up for a free VPN service or find a free public proxy online.
- Connect your device through the VPN or set your proxy settings.
- Go to YouTube, the ads may be reduced or different.
This method is hit-or-miss as it depends on the particular country or proxy server you connect through. Certain locations may serve fewer ads than others. Experiment to see if a VPN/proxy helps minimize ads for you.
Use a Pi-Hole on your network
Pi-Hole is a network-wide ad blocking software that works on the DNS level to block ads for all devices on your network.
When set up correctly, it can block the domains that serve YouTube ads.
To use Pi-Hole:
- Get a Raspberry Pi and install Pi-Hole.
- Configure your router to use the Pi-Hole for DNS.
- Connect devices to your network and YouTube ads will be blocked.
Pi-Hole takes more technical skill but offers whole home ad blocking. Once it’s set up, all ads across all sites and devices are blocked at the source.
Use a hosts file ad blocking
You can block ads on your computer by editing the hosts file to map YouTube ad domains to your localhost. This prevents ad content from loading.
To block ads via hosts file:
- Locate your hosts file on Windows, Mac or Linux.
- Add entries mapping YouTube ad servers to localhost.
- Save changes and restart browser.
This method requires manually looking up ad server names and editing system files. It takes some effort but allows blocking ads without any additional software.
Blocking YouTube ads for free comes down to using the right tools and techniques. Ad blocker browser extensions provide the easiest solution for most people. Alternatives like ad blocking browsers, third party apps, VPNs, and network-wide ad blockers are options too.
With some creativity and willingness to experiment, watching ad-free YouTube video without paying for premium is definitely achievable.
