Adblockers Banned? Twitch Takes YouTube’s Route

An unyielding struggle exists as social media platforms persistently counteract tools such as AdBlock and uBlock Origin, which aim to block advertisements.

Recently, YouTube implemented a firm policy: viewers who use ad blockers are unable to watch videos unless they temporarily deactivate the ad blocker.

In light of the abundance of ads on digital platforms, it’s no wonder users are becoming disgruntled.

Regardless of multiple subscriptions you might have, it’s frequently the case that ad-free content isn’t a given. Typically, the priciest subscription level is needed for accessing all content free from advertisements.

Are similar steps now looming for the world’s most popular streaming platform?

New Pop-Up in Testing Phase?

Starting on January 13th, there has been an increasing number of tweets emerging. These posts feature users displaying screenshots in which they were prompted with a pop-up message instructing them to turn off their ad blockers.

As a gamer, I’ve noticed two distinct scenarios. In one setting, I’m presented with a friendly prompt to consider upgrading my experience by investing in Twitch Turbo at a cost of $11.99. This upgrade would eliminate the pesky ads that sometimes interrupt my gaming sessions.

Twitch has started experimenting with prompts to turn off adblockers or get Turbo.

— Zach Bussey (@zachbussey) January 13, 2025

This subtle hint already clearly indicates Twitch’s new direction regarding ad blockers.

As a dedicated fan, I want to share a heads-up: The “Return to Stream” button, which we’ve been using so far, might vanish quite soon. So, it would be wise to take advantage of it while it’s still there!

However, there are also images of what appears to be a complete blocking of ad blockers.

In such instances, users are encouraged not subtly, but explicitly requested to turn off their ad-blocking software.

Have I encountered an issue where ads continue to play despite having an ad blocker, yet the blocker seems ineffective, and I’m concerned that this might lead to issues with YouTube due to my ad blocking software, but interestingly, it doesn’t seem to affect Twitch? This situation is causing me some worry.

— Ebyssa (@Ebyssa) January 15, 2025

As a fan, I’m still able to revisit the stream, yet it seems that opportunity might not last much longer as it’s anticipated to be phased out in the near future.

It appears that those in charge prefer to meticulously examine this novel technique before making it available worldwide.

Impact on Users

Users’ feelings towards these advancements are a blend of positive and negative opinions. Some comprehend that advertisements support the platform, but others grow frustrated due to the frequent ad disruptions.

Frequent watchers, particularly those accustomed to the complimentary use, tend to express strong criticism towards these recent changes.

A common issue raised is the cost of a Twitch Turbo subscription, which stands at $11.99 per month. Many users argue that this price point seems excessive, particularly when considering similar streaming platforms that provide not only an ad-free experience but also unique content for their subscribers.

How many of you still use Adblockers regularly? Tell us in the comments!

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2025-01-16 12:39