The fastest way to block YouTube ads
You can block ads on YouTube in three ways: use an ad blocker extension in your browser, pay for YouTube Premium to remove ads, or use YouTube's built-in feature to skip ads after five seconds. The method you choose depends on whether you want to block all ads or just skip them, and whether you're willing to pay.
If you use an ad blocker extension (like uBlock Origin, Adblock Plus, or AdGuard), most ads disappear before they play. If you don't install an extension, YouTube shows you ads but lets you skip them after five seconds on most videos. YouTube Premium removes ads entirely but costs money — the price varies by country and whether you bundle it with other services.
This guide focuses on the free methods: using an ad blocker extension or YouTube's skip button. Both work on desktop and mobile browsers, though mobile apps have different limitations.
Key Takeaways
- Ad blocker extensions like uBlock Origin block most YouTube ads before they play, and they're free to install from your browser's extension store.
- YouTube's built-in skip button appears after five seconds on most video ads, letting you skip without an extension.
- Some ads cannot be skipped even with an extension, because YouTube embeds them directly into the video itself.
- Ad blockers may slow your browser slightly and occasionally break video playback on some sites, so test yours before relying on it.
- YouTube Premium removes all ads but costs money; the price and what's included varies by country and subscription tier.
Installing an ad blocker extension
The most complete way to block YouTube ads is to install an ad blocker extension. Popular choices include uBlock Origin, Adblock Plus, and AdGuard. All three are free and work on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari.
To install one, open your browser's extension store (Chrome Web Store for Chrome, Add-ons for Firefox, Extensions for Edge). Search for the ad blocker by name, click "Add to [Browser]" or "Install", and confirm. The extension icon will appear in your toolbar. Most ad blockers work immediately without any setup — you don't need to configure anything to block YouTube ads.
After installation, reload any YouTube tabs you have open. Ads should disappear on the next video you watch. If an ad still plays, the extension may need to be updated, or YouTube may have changed how it delivers that particular ad. Restarting your browser usually fixes this.
Using YouTube's built-in skip button
If you don't want to install an extension, YouTube itself gives you a way to skip ads. When an ad plays, a "Skip Ad" button appears in the bottom right corner after five seconds. Click it to jump to the video. This works on desktop and mobile browsers.
Some ads cannot be skipped — these are called "non-skippable ads" and usually last 15 to 20 seconds. You have to watch them. YouTube decides which ads are skippable based on what the advertiser paid for, not based on your settings. The skip button is free and requires no installation, but you still see the ad for those first five seconds.
Why some ads still appear with an ad blocker
Even with an ad blocker installed, you may see ads on YouTube. This happens for a few reasons. First, YouTube sometimes updates how it delivers ads faster than ad blockers can update their filters. If this happens, try updating your ad blocker manually — most have an update button in their settings — or restart your browser.
Second, some ads are embedded directly into the video by the creator, not by YouTube. An ad blocker cannot remove these because they're part of the video file itself. You'll hear the creator mention a product or service mid-video. These are called "sponsor segments" and no blocker can stop them.
Third, some websites detect ad blockers and refuse to load content until you disable them. YouTube does not do this, but other sites do. If a site won't load with your ad blocker on, you can disable the extension just for that site by clicking its icon and selecting "disable on this site" or similar.
How ad blockers affect your browser and YouTube
Ad blockers use computer memory to filter ads, which can slow your browser slightly if you have many extensions installed. The slowdown is usually small — most people don't notice it — but if your computer is old or has limited memory, you may see a difference. Disabling extensions you don't use regularly helps.
Ad blockers occasionally break video playback on some sites. If a video won't load or keeps pausing, try disabling your ad blocker for that site. You can also whitelist specific sites — tell your ad blocker to allow ads on them — by clicking the extension icon and selecting "disable on this site" or "allow ads here".
YouTube does not ban accounts for using ad blockers, though the company discourages them. YouTube's terms of service say you shouldn't block ads, but they don't enforce this by closing accounts. However, YouTube may show you messages asking you to disable your blocker, or may test ways to make ad blockers less effective.
YouTube Premium as an alternative
YouTube Premium removes all ads from YouTube, YouTube Music, and YouTube Studio. It also lets you download videos to watch offline and play videos with your screen off. The price varies by country and subscription tier — some regions offer a basic tier that removes ads but doesn't include other features, while others bundle Premium with other Google services.
You can see the current price and what's included by visiting YouTube.com, clicking your profile picture, and selecting "Get YouTube Premium". YouTube offers a free trial period in some countries, usually one to three months, so you can test it before paying.
Premium is the only official way to remove all ads from YouTube. Ad blockers are free but may break occasionally, while Premium costs money but is may provide to work. Which you choose depends on your budget and how much ads bother you.
Blocking ads on YouTube mobile apps
Ad blockers work differently on mobile apps than on browsers. If you use the YouTube app on your phone, ad blockers installed in your browser won't block ads in the app — they only work in the browser itself.
To block ads on the YouTube mobile app, you have two options: use YouTube Premium, or switch to watching YouTube in your mobile browser instead of the app. If you open YouTube.com in Safari or Chrome on your phone, your ad blocker extension will work there just as it does on desktop. The video quality and features are the same, but you won't have the app's shortcuts.
Some third-party YouTube apps claim to block ads, but these are not made by YouTube and may not work reliably. Stick to the official YouTube app with Premium, or use your browser with an ad blocker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will YouTube ban me for using an ad blocker?
No. YouTube's terms of service discourage ad blockers, but the company does not close accounts for using them. YouTube may show you messages asking you to disable your blocker, or test ways to make blockers less effective, but account bans don't happen.
Do ad blockers work on all browsers?
Most popular ad blockers work on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari. Some work on mobile browsers too, but mobile apps like the YouTube app don't support extensions. Check your browser's extension store to see which blockers are available for you.
Why does my ad blocker sometimes stop working?
YouTube updates how it delivers ads faster than blockers can update their filters. Manually update your ad blocker through its settings menu, or restart your browser. If it still doesn't work, the blocker may need a day or two to release a new version.
Can I use an ad blocker and YouTube Premium at the same time?
Yes, but there's no point. YouTube Premium already removes all ads, so an ad blocker won't do anything extra. You're paying for a feature you don't need.
What's the difference between uBlock Origin and Adblock Plus?
Both block ads, but uBlock Origin uses less computer memory and blocks more types of ads by default. Adblock Plus is simpler and lets advertisers pay to show "acceptable ads". Both are free. Most people find uBlock Origin more effective, but try both and see which you prefer.