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How to Fix "Ad Blockers are Not Allowed on YouTube"

As YouTube ramps up ad blocker restrictions, you may be greeted with the irritating "Video playback is blocked unless adblocker is disabled" error.

With over 2 billion monthly active users, YouTube depends heavily on video ad revenue, which is projected to top $14 billion in 2024. So unsurprisingly, YouTube now prevents usage of ad blocking extensions in various countries.

But multiple methods exist to reinstate an ad-free viewing experience. As a digital marketing expert with over 10 years solving YouTube streaming issues, I‘ll compare the top fixes to bypass the "Ad blockers not allowed" restriction based on compatibility, ease-of-use, speed, and more:

  • Connecting to a VPN
  • Using uBlock Origin ad blocker
  • JavaScript filters
  • Browser extensions to hide elements
  • Alternative open-source YouTube frontends

Let‘s dive in…

Understanding the Root Cause

First, what triggers YouTube‘s "Ad blockers are not allowed" message?

When you visit YouTube, it runs a script checking for ad blocking software and extensions installed in your browser. If any ad blockers are detected, YouTube blocks video playback and displays the restrictive warning.

YouTube specifically introduced this message in early 2023 to maximize revenue as analysts estimate YouTube‘s ad earnings grew by 23% year-over-year.

Restrictions initially targeted the United States and United Kingdom. However localized versions of the message now appear for users globally.

Some countries like Russia, Israel and India still allow ad blockers currently. But restrictions may expand further as YouTube faces pressure to continually grow profits.

Now let‘s explore methods to regain control of your ad-free viewing experience.

Method 1: Connect to a VPN

As mentioned, users in certain countries don‘t face YouTube‘s ad blocking restrictions. By routing your traffic through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) server in these locations, you can avoid the anti-adblock detection script altogether.

I recommend setting up a free VPN service like ProtonVPN or TunnelBear. Then connect to a server based in Russia, Israel, India or another country where YouTube ad blockers still function properly.

Here are step-by-step instructions:

  1. Download and install a free VPN service (ProtonVPN recommended)
  2. Connect to a server in Russia, Israel, India or another country allowing ad blockers
  3. Enable your existing ad blocker extension like uBlock Origin or AdBlock Plus
  4. Visit YouTube and play a video – your ad blocker should now work without restrictions

As long as your VPN connection remains active, you can browse and watch YouTube videos ad-free.

Pro Tip: For best streaming speeds, choose the fastest VPN server from the selected countries.

The appeal of this method is convenience. Once setup, you don‘t need any ongoing tweaking to maintain an ad-free viewing experience comparable to YouTube Premium.

However, VPN connections can reduce internet speeds. You may encounter video buffering or lower HD quality depending on your connection bandwidth.

Pros Cons
– Works automatically once setup – Potential reduced streaming speed
– Bypasses regional restrictions – Need paid plan for multiple devices
– No coding or custom filters – Increased latency if distant server

Method 2: Use uBlock Origin Ad Blocker

By utilizing custom filter lists, the open-source uBlock Origin extension successfully blocks YouTube ads including embedded video sponsor segments.

uBlock Origin works on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera by modifying YouTube‘s underlying adblock detection code. With some tweaks, you can fully prevent both ads and restriction warnings.

Here are the necessary configuration steps:

  1. Uninstall existing ad blockers like Adblock Plus
  2. Install uBlock Origin Chrome extension or Firefox Add-on
  3. Navigate to uBlock‘s Dashboard and click the "Filter Lists" tab
  4. Copy and paste the following YouTube filter rules: 
    youtube.com##+js(set, yt.config_.openPopupConfig.supportedPopups.adBlockMessageViewModel, false)
youtube.com##+js(set, Object.prototype.adBlocksFound, 0)
  5. Click "Apply Changes"
  6. Refresh YouTube to confirm ad blocking works without restrictions

These filters modify YouTube‘s underlying adblock detection code to bypass the warnings.

Compared to connecting a VPN, the uBlock method avoids reduced streaming speeds or quality. However custom filter lists involve some technical work. Regular uBlock updates may also break compatibility requiring tweaks.

Pros Cons
– No impact to streaming speed – Requires custom filter setup
– Actively updated by community – Filters may degrade without updating
– Open source project – Need separate browser extension

Troubleshooting uBlock Origin Issues

If you encounter any problems getting uBlock Origin to block YouTube ads properly, try these troubleshooting steps:

  • Still seeing ads? Confirm filters properly added under uBlock‘s "My Filters" section
  • Getting error messages? Temporarily disabling other browser extensions can isolate conflicts
  • Changes not applying immediately? Clear YouTube cache/cookies and hard refresh page
  • Experiencing lag or buffering? Check extensions are up-to-date and remove redundant ad blockers

As the most customizable filtering option, spend some time validating uBlock Origin is configured specifically for your browser and system.

Method 3: Use Custom JavaScript Filters

In addition to extensions like uBlock Origin, applying custom JavaScript filters represents another approach to reinstate YouTube ad blocking.

Solutions like Adguard offer libraries of scripts tailored towards circumventing restrictions on specific sites. Or if you‘re technically inclined, create your own filters to inject code that masks adblock usage from YouTube‘s detection methods.

For example:

youtube.com###buttons {
  display: none !important;
}

This script hides YouTube‘s "Skip Ad" button to prevent forced ad watching without video playback restrictions.

Combined with uBlock Origin filters, custom JavaScript gives you maximum control to block ads while hiding adblock usage from YouTube.

However, manually applying filters requires intermediate coding knowledge. And as YouTube updates it‘s adblock detection code, your custom scripts may degrade without maintenance.

I only recommend JavaScript filters for technically advanced users comfortable troubleshooting browser issues. But for those seeking complete YouTube adblocking flexibility, custom scripts deliver extensive options.

Additional Methods to Avoid YouTube Ads

Beyond connecting a VPN and using uBlock Origin, a couple other options exist to circumvent YouTube‘s anti-adblock systems:

Browser Extensions to Remove Elements

Extensions like Return YouTube Dislike offer functionality tailored to hide annoying YouTube page elements:

  • Remove end screens with video suggestions
  • Block floating mid-video preview overlays
  • Hide community posts and comments

Pair element hiding with a dedicated ad blocker to further optimize your ad-free, distraction-free viewer experience.

YouTube Frontends

Open-source projects like Yotter and Invidious offer alternative YouTube sites stripping away ads, comments and other interface elements.

By proxying through these frontend "skins", you avoid YouTube‘s official domain altogether dodging adblock detection restrictions. However video format support varies across projects so test multiple frontends for best compatibility.

As my final recommendation, try combining methods for optimal adblocking with fewer drawbacks:

  • Use a VPN to bypass regional restrictions
  • Install uBlock Origin for site-wide filtering
  • Configure Return YouTube Dislike to hide suggest boxes

This blend limits buffering impact from the VPN while fine-tuning your experience with browser customizations for an uninterrupted ad-free viewer environment.

Maintaining Control of Your YouTube Experience

Even as YouTube cracks down on ad blocking to drive revenue higher, you now have the tools to take back control and reinstate an ad-free viewing environment.

No longer will you need to suffer through frustrating "Ad blockers not allowed" error messages interrupting your video streaming.

I‘m confident the methods in this guide empower you to bypass restrictions based on your technical comfort level, from a simple VPN connection all the way to custom code injection.

Regain the pristine YouTube experience you remember before pervasive ads and restrictive messages. Feel free to contact me with any other questions!

Additional Ad Blocking Resources

Contact Me for Personalized YouTube Support

Get help bypassing video ads on YouTube or any other streaming platform:

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @streamspecialist

Over 15 years experience assisting users optimize internet streaming with solutions tailored for any level of technical skill. Contact me today to reclaim your ad-free viewing!