The vast majority of internet users is watching videos on YouTube. Basically, the viewers are watching content that the so called YouTubers provide for them for free. I have a YouTube channel as well, so I know that producing videos is not so easy, it takes time and money. The creators can earn money through ads that are displayed before, after or during their videos. (Actually, one has to have at least 1000 subscribers and 4000 hours of watch time in a year to be eligible to earn money on YouTube.) I am happy to be able to get out of some money of my videos, but I don't really like the way how Google is doing it's magic. I find that the ads are pushed very aggressively and I am sure that most viewers hate non-skippable ads, especially before a video begins. On the top of that, Google is taking 45% of the ad revenue. Well, YouTube is their platform, so one has to go with their rules and policies.
Although I know that the ads are supporting the creators, I often get annoyed by them, so I would like to show a couple of ways to enjoy YouTube ad free. Also, I will suggest ways to support your creators more efficiently, so that they still get some money.
Many of us watch videos using a web browser. There are quite many out there, but most of them are based on so called engines. The most popular one is Chromium. For example Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge are Chromium-based browsers. The other option is the engine Firefox is using. For both versions you can find extensions, if you click on the menu and choose "extensions". It will take you to a different page, where you can search for browser extensions. You can type in "ublock origin", click on the result and install it. (I mean adding the extension to your browser.) This is an ad blocker that blocks all sorts of advertisment, not only on YouTube, but on other pages as well. Check it out before installing.
If you don't want extensions, you can dedicate a browser only to watch YouTube. Brave browser is great, actually I use it every day. It has default ad blocking and disables most of the trackers, so that you can enjoy a enhanced privacy features as well. However, Brave might not block all the ads. You can still add extensions to it, of course. The best browser in my opinion is LibreWolf blocking ads and protecting your privacy at the same time. It is originally made for Linux, but works on Windows and Mac as well. Others say that Falcon browser ist the best choice concerning privacy and ad blocking.
For those who enjoy YouTube videos in a smartphone app, there is a solution too, however it only works with android devices. Open your web browser of choice and navigate to the page of F-Droid. Hit the download button. A message will most likely appear that files like this could cause harm to your device. This one doesn't, so allow the download. Once it finished, tap on it to install F-Droid. Another message will appear prompting you to allow your web browser to install files. Tap on that and allow it in the next window, then hit the back button and install the app. Once you start F-Droid, it will need a couple of seconds to pull its content. F-Droid is basically an app store for free and open source software created for android devices. Tap on search and enter the term "new pipe". Install the app (you may have to allow F-Droid to install apps as well, just like you did for your browser). Once you start New Pipe, you can search for videos and watch them without ads. You can even subsrcibe and/or create playlists. The only limitation is that you cannot comment and like or dislike videos. New Pipe can mirror other data as well, such as SoundCloud, you can find everything in the app's menu or on their homepage.
While you are enjoying ad free videos, the creators you are watching earn less money. Since they put their time and money into your entertainment, you can decide to support them more directly. Most of the creators have a couple of links for support in their video descriptions. These might be support pages like Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee. These often have the advantage that you can have some extra service back as a gratitude for your support. Some have a PayPal link or a crypto address you can send some money to. Many people have their own merch store or offer some affiliate links that you can check out and purchase something, so that you get some cool stuff and they a small commission fee. Another really great way for both the creator and the viewer is joining the creator's member's program, if they have any. You can support them directly and have extra content and other awesome stuff. You can still watch their videos with ad blockers, since you are supporting them already.
Thanks for reading and have a nice day!
