Do you love settling in to watch your favorite streamers, only to have the experience interrupted by repetitive ads? Twitch relies on pre-roll, mid-roll and display advertising to keep itself up and running. But there are ways you as the viewer can avoid the disruption.
In this beginner‘s guide, I cover three easy methods to block Twitch ads based on budget, device, and supporting creator preferences:
- Install ad blocker extensions like uBlock Origin
- Utilize VPN services with advanced ad filtering
- Subscribe to Twitch Turbo‘s premium offering
After breaking down how each solution works to halt ads, I‘ll provide a detailed comparison. You‘ll also find tips on contributing to streamers directly as a tradeoff of blocking ads that impact their revenue.
By the end, you‘ll understand the most effective options to stop Twitch commercials to maximize streaming entertainment. Let‘s get into the details.
Why Twitch Uses Mandatory Ads
Many viewers wonder why the platform forces advertisement viewing to begin with.
As a free service, Twitch must generate revenue to cover cloud hosting and video serving costs. In 2020 over 10 billion hours of content was watched, and servers to provide that streaming don‘t come cheap!
To understand their reliance on ads, know these key statistics:
- Twitch made an estimated $50 to $100 million in ad revenue in 2020 alone
- Pre-roll ads accounted for $70 to 80% of that, one of creators‘ biggest payout sources
- Display and embedded ad sales contribute even more at over $200 million
Of course, purchasing optional Turbo or channel subscriptions offset and share revenue, but most users still utilize free viewing.
Not to mention with Amazon‘s ownership, they want data on viewing interest to funnel ad targetting on their main site.
While essential for operations, forced commercials every 10-15 minutes degrade the streaming experience.
Luckily multiple options exist to avoid this hassle and enjoy uninterrupted streams. Now let‘s explore them.
Method #1: Ad Blocking Browser Extensions
One of the easiest ways to prevent Twitch ads is installing an ad blocking extension for your web browser of choice.
The most popular options include:
- uBlock Origin – Open-source, lightweight option with advanced filtering potential
- AdBlock – Widely used basic ad blocker for all major browsers
- AdGuard – Cross-platform extension with options to block tracking scripts too
I‘ll demonstrate the simple setup using AdBlock on Google Chrome:
Steps To Install AdBlock
- Navigate to the AdBlock Chrome Web Store page
- Click "Add To Chrome" to install the extension
- A pop-up will ask for an optional contribution to support AdBlock‘s development
- Check out or click "Start Blocking Ads" to complete installation
- Browse Twitch.tv and notice ads don‘t load! An icon shows how many are blocked.
That quick you can prevent video and display ads from interfering with streams and gameplay.
Advantages of Ad Blocking Extensions
Now what makes browser ad blockers an appealing choice?
- Free – Most don‘t require payment as an open-source utility
- Effective – Easy one-time install blocks nearly 100% of ads
- Established – Mature extensions like uBlock with widespread community support
uBlock Origin reports it uses advanced filtering techniques that catch attempts to bypass blocking. Reviews also show AdBlock maintains excellent ongoing blocking rates.
For avoiding all Twitch advertisements, extensions leverage established code to identify ad sources and prevent loading in page content.
Downsides To Consider
However, a couple limitations still exist:
- Desktop only – Mobile browsers often don‘t allow extensions
- Updates – Maintainers must keep block lists current as ads evolve
- Support – Streamers lose out on pre-roll ad revenue
Unfortunately browser add-ons don‘t translate to avoiding phone app ads. Updates may also fail to block new formats until fixed.
And without viewing forced commercials, creators can‘t benefit from pre-roll ad percentages. Now let‘s explore alternatives.
Method #2: Virtual Private Network (VPN) Services
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) route your traffic through remote servers to encrypt data and mask identifying information like hardware addresses.
Many providers market anonymous browsing as their VPN‘s purpose. However, an underutilized benefit is accessing streaming sites like Twitch from an alternate virtual location.
Certain European countries enforce restrictions on advertising types and frequency rates:
- Romania – Strong limits on allowed ecommerce product ads
- Germany – Complex privacy laws affecting data collection for targetting
- Poland – Similar restrictions derived from EU legislation
Routing your Twitch viewing through a server in these locations applies associated ad laws. Fewer and less disruptive commercials display as you watch outside your home region.
But dedicated ad blocking features also now exist. I‘ll cover setup using NordVPN, one of many top-tier choices.
Enabling NordVPN‘s Threat Protection
Along with server location shuffling, NordVPN provides proprietary Threat Protection filtering designed explicitly to block intrusive ads.
Follow these steps to leverage its adblocking:
- Sign up for NordVPN and install the platform‘s custom software
- Login to the desktop or mobile app interface
- Click the shield icon to access Threat Protection settings
- Toggle the switch for "Ad Blocking" and the feature will auto-enable
Once connected to any server, NordVPN blocks Twitch ad requests behind the scenes.
Their CyberSec framework combines crowd-sourced site lists with algorithmic evaluation tailored uniquely to advertising content.
The result? Blocking rates exceed popular extensions.
The Pros of VPN Ad Filtration
Virtual Private Networks add flexibility lacking from browser-only solutions:
- Mobile support – iOS and Android apps work equally well
- Config control – Specify countries or connect automatically
- Enhanced privacy – Encrypts traffic protecting personal data
- Speed balancing – Switch higher bandwidth servers to reduce lag
NordVPN and competitors like ExpressVPN or IPVanish offer apps across all devices, ensuring access to ad blocking regardless where you watch streams from.
Network selection also avoids speed slowdowns, particularly outside Europe. Custom ad lists bolster protection against new circumvention techniques.
Examining the Tradeoffs
Depending on location and connectivity, VPN speeds vary. Additionally:
- Paid plans – Unlimited access requires paid monthly subscriptions
- $3 to $15 monthly – Yearly rates average $80-$100 for full access
- Complex setup – Correct server and app config requires attention
- Battery drain – Constant rerouting taxes mobile devices
Free VPN access tends to limit locations or total data each month. And running constant filtration shifts more workload to personal device processors.
Now let‘s explore the final integrated ad removal option.
Method #3: Twitch Turbo Premium Subscription
Twitch Turbo offers an official ad-free viewing experience as a premium service. Alongside blocking all advertisements, it unlocks bonuses like:
- 1080p 60FPS high-quality streaming
- Member-only chat colors and expanded emotes
- Video archive storage extended from 14 to 60 days
- A profile badge marking your Turbo status
The $8.99 monthly subscription directly pays creators a share just as regular channel subscriptions do.
But instead of manually blocking ads, Turbo handles everything behind the scenes.
Signing Up For Twitch Turbo
Gaining access takes just minutes:
- Navigate to the Twitch Turbo homepage
- Click the yellow "Subscribe" button
- Choose your payment method and complete the transaction
- Enjoy ad-free streams plus new member perks!
The Simplicity of Turbo
What makes Turbo such an effortless option?
- Premium benefits – Extras like expanded emotes and archives
- Works universally – Streams on desktop and mobile apps
- Direct payouts – Share of subscription cost supports creators
- Official solution – No risk of sudden blocking failures
Turbo also ensures full 1080p image quality and 60 FPS framerates for buttery smoothness. Lag won‘t disrupt important moments.
And that share of revenue replaces lost advertisement earnings for partnered broadcasters.
Evaluating Downsides
Before jumping to paid solutions, weigh a few potential issues:
- $100+ per year – Higher cost than VPN alternatives
- Limited scope – Doesn‘t cover embedded videos or clips
- Impact unknown – Creator split not publicly disclosed
Yearly expenses add up quicker than comparable VPN access. Embedded videos seen outside Twitch may still carry ads unless using separate filtration.
It‘s also unclear precisely what cut goes towards supporting creators.
Weighing the Tradeoffs – Which Should You Choose?
Now how do you decide with so many viable methods?
First, let‘s compare core differentiating factors:
| Method | Cost | Platforms | Creator Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ad Blockers | Free | Desktop browsers | None | VPN | $3-$15 monthly | All devices | None |
| Twitch Turbo | $8.99 monthly | All devices | Partial |
Functionality across phones and tablets varies substantially. Cost enters consideration too – a year of Turbo nears $100.
If supporting creators matters, Turbo splits some profits their way. But direct donations offset guilt from other methods as well.
Analyze your specific priorities like budget and device watching patterns.
Ad blockers win for simplicity and free cost if solely utilizing a desktop. Power users wanting full control opt for custom VPN routing.
And fans split between who prefers one-stop Turbo convenience vs VPN flexibility tailored to them.
Support Creators Beyond Watching Ads
I advise conscious fans feeling guilty avoid their favorite creators losing income. Though blocking ads does restrict pre-roll access many depend on.
Instead, focus spending the money saved not seeing ads towards:
- One-time donations – Tax deductible gifting via PayPal or BuyMeACoffee
- Channel subscriptions – Monthly tiers enabling emotes and perks
Direct sources make up for ad earnings, without mandatory commercial viewing. Lesser known broadcasters in particular appreciate community donations helping launch their channel.
For already active subscribers, gifting paid memberships helps creators gain milestone unlock bonuses. Or offer to promote social media like Twitter or YouTube to raise overall profile.
Visibility leads to organic growth that gradually lessens reliance on ads entirely.
Conclusion – Blocking Twitch Annoyances Made Simple
I hope mapping common solutions helps decide your ideal ad-free adventure. Remember the key options:
- Browser extensions stop ads before they reach you
- VPN services filter and reroute data behind the scenes
- Twitch Turbo removes ads on an account level
Factor cost, mobile access, and direct creator support when picking method. And don‘t feel avoiding mandatory ads takes away – subscription gifts and donations ensure your view still contributes.
No longer allow constant disruptions to diminish streaming entertainment. Take back control and block Twitch commercials through accessible techniques explored above.
What roadblocks still prevent you enjoying an ad break? Ask any other questions in the comments!