How to Block YouTube Ads on Android and iPhone
YouTube is the leading platform for video content, but its ads can disrupt the viewing experience. These ads may appear before or during videos, and sometimes multiple ads are shown. Additionally, ads might be displayed below the video while it is playing.
Hence, this post discusses how to block ads on YouTube. Whether you are using an Android device or an iPhone, this guide will help you safeguard your experience and that of your kids on YouTube.
3 Ways to Block YouTube Ads on Android and iPhone
It would be best to block YouTube ads to maximize your viewing experience on the platform. Hence, this section discusses three popular approaches to block YouTube ads on Android and iPhone.
1 YouTube Ads Blocker
YouTube ad blockers are dedicated services for preventing apps on the platform. Some app blockers are dedicated to the YouTube web version while others perform better in the app. An example is AdGuard which is a powerful ad blocker extension and app that works on common browsers and OS. Let’s take the steps of using AdGuard extension on browser as the example.
- Open the web store from settings on Chrome or your preferred browser.
- Search AdGuard AdBlocker and visit the first result.
- Click on the Add to Chrome icon and then complete the process by clicking Add extension.
- Now open the video you want to watch on YouTube and you will see there is no ads any more.
It blocks lots of ads on the web for free. However, some ads might still slip through, especially within the YouTube app. You can also subscribe for the more functionality.
2VPN Services
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) help to isolate your network from desired online activities. Hence, it is an excellent solution for privacy settings like blocking ads. Many VPN services come with built-in ad blockers. Some top examples are Windscribe, Proton VPN, NordVPN, or ExpressVPN. They can function as apps and extensions. Hence, you can use them directly on websites or in multiple apps.
However, VPN services often require a subscription, which can be expensive. It may slow down internet connection due to the encryption process. What’s more, VPNs often violate YouTube's terms of service.
3YouTube Modified Versions
Modified versions are third-party YouTube alternatives that provide ad-free streaming. In this section, we consider a few popular Android and iOS examples you can choose from.
Please note that using these versions violates YouTube's Terms of Service and may lead to account restrictions. While legal in the U.S., they may be illegal in other countries.
Part 2. 4 Tips to Watch YouTube without Ads
Even without using the above methods, there are several legitimate ways to enjoy an ad-free YouTube experience. Here we discuss four tips to help you watch YouTube without ads.
YouTube Premium
The first tip is to upgrade your YouTube subscription to Premium. While YouTube works well when free, it comes with several distracting ads. Hence, the official solution provided by Google is for users to get ad-free videos and music through a subscription. YouTube Premium requires a monthly fee of $13.99 per person or a family plan for 5 people at $22.99. However, this feature is not available in all regions.
Download Videos for Offline Viewing
Downloading videos for offline viewing is perfect for users who frequently watch content on the go. Once the video has been downloaded, you will not be bothered by ads, after all, you can watch these videos offline. In other words, once your internet connectivity is off, ads will not be loaded but you can still watch videos. YouTube Premium allows users to download videos or you can use a reliable third-party downloader app.
Alternative Apps
To avoid YouTube apps, you can use alternative video-watching apps. You can use unofficial YouTube alternatives shown in the previous section. Otherwise, you can use ad-free video sharing and playing apps like Vimeo, DTube, PeerTube, Plex, and many others. However, these apps might not have the same catalog of videos seen on YouTube.
Ads-free Browser
Some browsers have built-in ad blockers. That way, watching YouTube on these browsers would be without ads. Browsers like Brave, Firefox, Opera, and Vivaldi are some of the examples of ads-free options you can choose from. You can also pick browsers that would allow you to get some of the best ad-blocking extensions on their stores. Chrome, Safari, and Edge are examples of these browsers.
Part 3. SafeGuard Your Kids on YouTube
YouTube can be a great educational tool for kids. It also contains content that may not be appropriate for younger audiences. Hence, you need to keep your children safe when using YouTube. Below are some tips to ensure your kids have a safe YouTube experience.
Use YouTube Kids
YouTube Kids is designed specifically for children. It offers parents a safe environment with age-appropriate content for their children. They can choose among three age groups namely; preschool (Ages 4 & below), younger (ages 5 to 8), or older (ages 9 to 12). With any of these categories, you can be sure your children can only access children-appropriate content on their account.
Set Up Parental Control
Parental controls are essential for limiting what your child can access on YouTube and other platforms. It helps you monitor their online activities in real time. You can get notifications for activities on their YouTube account. Also, if they are spending too much time on YouTube, you can use effective parental control tools to limit their activities.
Hence, parents pick robust tools such as the AirDroid Parental Control app. It is ideal for parents who want comprehensive control over their child's online activity, especially YouTube.
You can also use it to regularly review and update the YouTube settings of your kids as they grow. Aside from monitoring YouTube, it has other impressive features like location tracking, activity reports, remote camera access, etc.
Guide Them on Safe YouTube Usage
To ensure online safety on YouTube, educate them about distinguishing between entertainment and reality, especially concerning content that may promote negative behaviors or misinformation.
Teach them to identify inappropriate material and encourage them to come to you if they see something that makes them uncomfortable.
Key Takeaways
Ads can make it very difficult to enjoy one's time watching YouTube videos. Hence, ad blockers can help users have a seamless experience on the video sharing and watching app. In this post, we have explored methods and tips to block YouTube ads on Android and iPhone devices.
Each method has its pros and cons, so it is essential to choose the one that best fits your needs. Finally, Parents can may use effective tools like AirDroid Parental Control to provide a safe YouTube experience for their children.
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