YouTube Tests Server-Side Ads to Counter Ad Blockers

The platform's new method integrates ads directly into video streams, making traditional ad blockers ineffective.

YouTube's server-side ad injection embeds ads into video streams, bypassing ad blockers.
Users report unskippable ads and disrupted playback controls during the test phase.
SponsorBlock and other ad blockers struggle to adapt to the new ad delivery method.
YouTube encourages users to switch to YouTube Premium for an ad-free experience.
The change is part of YouTube's broader effort to increase ad revenue and support creators.