- DuckDuckGo announced that its browser now blocks most video ads, including those on YouTube.
- The company says its ad blocker can stop both preroll ads as well as ones that play in the middle of videos.
- The ad blocker is enabled by default: New users who install DuckDuckGo on their device won't have to configure anything in order to take advantage of the tool.
- DuckDuckGo for Android requires manual enablement for the ad blocker, while it is auto-enabled on iOS, Windows, and Mac.
- DuckDuckGo states it will soon make this the default for Android users as well.
- The company uses filter lists from uBlock Origin to find and block YouTube ads.
- Videos may have some extra buffer time before playing, but they will play uninterrupted once fully loaded.
- DuckDuckGo claims users can get the full YouTube experience, minus the ads.
- This feature will be available for all major platforms, including Android.
- Users will need to download the DuckDuckGo browser to access this new experience instead of going through the YouTube app.
- To enable the feature on Android, users must navigate to the Settings menu and enable YouTube Ad Blocking.
- DuckDuckGo utilizes community-driven filter lists sourced from uBlock Origin to deliver this functionality.
- While the experience won't be perfect, it is better than getting flooded with ads.
DuckDuckGo has rolled out a new feature in its browser that blocks YouTube video ads, including both preroll and mid-video ads. This functionality is enabled by default for users on iOS, Windows, and Mac, allowing new users to enjoy an ad-free experience without any configuration.1
For Android users, the ad blocker requires manual activation, but DuckDuckGo plans to make it the default setting soon. The ad blocker utilizes community-driven filter lists sourced from uBlock Origin to effectively identify and block ads. Users can find the option to enable YouTube ad blocking in the Settings menu under the Ad Blocking section.12
While the ad blocker enhances the viewing experience, DuckDuckGo cautions that there may be some additional buffering time before videos play. However, once fully loaded, videos will play uninterrupted, allowing users to enjoy the full YouTube experience without the distraction of ads. DuckDuckGo emphasizes that users will need to use its browser instead of the YouTube app to access this feature.
“Get the full YouTube experience, minus the ads,” the company states, highlighting the benefits of this new functionality. Overall, DuckDuckGo aims to provide a more privacy-focused browsing experience while minimizing ad interruptions.8
“DuckDuckGo utilizes uBlock Origin's filter lists to block both preroll and mid-roll YouTube ads. While enabled automatically on iOS, Windows, and Mac, Android users must manually enable it via Settings, with a default toggle planned soon.”
Lifehacker
