YouTube looks to be testing server-side ad injection to counter ad blockers

AnActOfCreation@programming.dev to Technology@lemmy.world – 615 points – YouTube looks to be testing server-side ad injection to counter ad blockers
9to5google.com
  • YouTube is testing server-side ad injection to counter ad blockers, integrating ads directly into videos to make them indistinguishable from the main content.
  • This new method complicates ad blocking, including tools like SponsorBlock, which now face challenges in accurately identifying and skipping sponsored segments.
  • The feature is currently in testing and not widely rolled out, with YouTube encouraging users to subscribe to YouTube Premium for an ad-free experience.
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I'm surprised DRM'd webpages haven't been a thing until now.

They're trying. Give them some time. Users will lap it up like idiots instead of just saying no.

Google was working on a feature that would do just that, but I can't recall the name of it.

They backed down for now due to public outcry, but I expect they're just biding their time.