I’ve Never Used Ad Blockers on YouTube or the Web
Currently, YouTube is experimenting with going against ad blockers. This is to help increase revenue for YouTube as more ads will be shown overall. And although a lot of people are up in arms about it, I side with not using ad blockers in the first place.
I don’t even use them when browsing the Internet.
Supporting YouTube and Blog Creators without Ad Blockers
Since the advent of ad blockers, I’ve never been one to have an interest in using them. Part that is because I understand how a lot of creators rely on ad revenue when creating their content.
Although, you really should look into other ways to monetize your content. Platforms like AdSense really don’t pay all that well in comparison.
In any case, that income from showing ads can make a difference for a lot of people, especially those who are just starting out.
An extra $100 this month from AdSense could help buy better equipment, cameras, pay for various online services, and otherwise help a creator improve the content.
Using an ad blocker to consume free content takes something away from those people who put a lot of effort to deliver something great. So, just thinking about using ad blockers makes me feel somewhat guilty.
A lot of people want to turn content creation into a full-time job. But they won’t be able to do that unless they figure out how to monetize their content in some fashion. And the first step is often ad revenue.
If you don’t want to see ads on YouTube, subscribe to the Premium service. That way, creators still generate revenue from you watching that otherwise free content.
What About Sites Covered in Ads?
There’s no doubt that some sites out there can reel back on the advertisements. It’s one thing to see a race car plastered with brands and logos. It’s another to have your content saturated with ad placements.
In some cases, these sites might even help induce an epileptic seizure with all of the flashing and moving advertisements.
In those cases, I’ll close the site and look for a better source for which I’m searching. That’s the wonderful thing about the Internet; you have more choices than just one outlet.
I feel similarly about YouTube. If a channel has an ad roll every 60 seconds within their video, I move on. But I’m not going to use ad blockers to deny that creator of any potential revenue from YouTube.
Just Turn Off Ad Blockers When Necessary
I know that some of you would probably just say I should just turn off the ad blockers on sites I want to help. For one thing, you’re putting an awful lot of faith in my memory to remember to turn it off and on.
Secondly, I support all creators. That’s because I only visit websites that I either follow or have an interest in their content. I don’t just stumble around the Internet all willy-nilly.
The bottom line is that you just don’t know how much ad revenue plays a role in the life of the creator. He or she could be ultimately dependent on the money to keep them creating those videos or blog posts you consume.
YouTube Has No Solid Competition
YouTube can do major sweeping changes such as getting rid of ad blockers without too much impacting their business model. That’s because YouTube also knows that they don’t have real competition in the video space.
Well, outside of TikTok, which I doubt will ever be as immense as YouTube. And when you have Google backing you up, there’s really nothing you can do as a video platform.
Because YouTube has no solid competition, it can push the boundaries of some elements on the site. It’s their party, and you’ll have to play by the rules if you want to keep hanging out.
What Are Your Thoughts on Ad Blockers and YouTube?
I have no intention of ever using ad blockers on YouTube or any other site. As I said, it’s the least I can do if I am enjoying someone’s content, whether it be a video or blog post.
And truth be told, I’ve seen a few ads for things I’ve clicked on because they piqued my interest.
Regardless, I don’t mind a few ads here and there if it keeps the creator publishing new content while helping him or her establish a channel. It all comes down to personal preference really.
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