DuckDuckGo has rolled out an update to its browser that blocks YouTube video adverts by default. The feature is already available on iOS, Windows and Mac, and it is also set to arrive on Android. It draws on filter lists maintained by the well-known ad blocker uBlock Origin.
For more than a decade, DuckDuckGo’s search engine has positioned itself as an anti-Google alternative, built around strict protections against advertising trackers. Now the company is also taking aim at Google’s advertising income on YouTube. In a post published this week, DuckDuckGo announced a browser update that includes built-in protection against video adverts shown on YouTube.
Default YouTube video ad blocking rolls out across platforms
Once you update the DuckDuckGo browser on iOS, Windows or Mac, it will block YouTube ads by default. The same ad-blocking setting will also be enabled by default soon on the Android version.
“You therefore don’t need to change any settings if your app is up to date; simply open your browser and start enjoying ad-free videos!”, DuckDuckGo says. Because the capability is built into the browser itself, there is no need to install an extension.
Limits: YouTube website only, and possible slowdowns
DuckDuckGo notes that this ad blocking only works when you use the YouTube website rather than the official YouTube app. The company also says you may notice slowdowns at the start of playback, which it describes as normal behaviour when using an ad blocker.
A feature built on uBlock Origin
According to DuckDuckGo, the new blocking feature relies on uBlock Origin’s list to deliver this capability.
The company adds that it is not restricted solely to Google’s platform. “DuckDuckGo now blocks most video adverts!”, it claims in its announcement.
What we think
It is worth remembering that Google already offers a way to watch videos on its platform without adverts. However, to get YouTube’s official ad-free experience, you need a Premium subscription. And YouTube Premium has become an increasingly important revenue stream for the Mountain View firm.
Today, Google One subscriptions (for storage) and YouTube Premium already exceed 350 million subscribers worldwide.
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