- There are official and alternative solutions to remove or reduce YouTube ads depending on your device.
- YouTube Premium guarantees ad-free viewing across the entire platform and on all devices.
- Ad blockers and browsers like Brave are effective for PC and Android, although they may have limitations.
- VPNs allow you to avoid ads by connecting from countries where YouTube advertising programs don't exist.
Removing ads on YouTube can mean a smoother and more enjoyable experience for both frequent and occasional users. YouTube ads can be extremely intrusive, especially for those who watch multiple videos in long sessions or seek to enjoy playlists, documentaries, or tutorials without constant interruptions. While advertising is a key source of revenue for content creators and YouTube itself, more and more users are looking for ways to reduce or eliminate them altogether.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover all the legitimate and effective options for removing or limiting ads on YouTube , tailored for those who use the platform on computers, Android phones, Smart TVs, or even those who want to filter ads on their own channels. We'll also explore the advantages and disadvantages of each method, address solutions for special cases, and answer frequently asked questions from users seeking an ad-free experience.
We've also included updated information and details on lesser-known but potentially helpful methods, such as VPNs, alternative browsers, and tools specific to the environment from which you access YouTube.
Disabling personalized ads and filtering by category
One of the first steps in managing advertising on YouTube is to customize (or completely disable) personalized ads. These ads are based on your interests and activity on the platform, so disabling them may reduce the number and relevance of the ads you see.
- Accede to YouTube Studio with your Google account.
- In the side menu, click on “Configuration".
- Select the section "Canal” and then access “Advanced settings".
- Scroll down to the ads section. Here you can choose disable interest-based ads (personalized ads), as well as remarketing ads.
Additionally, in the advanced options of YouTube Studio , you can block certain ads on your own videos or channel if you are a content creator. This is possible:
- Block ads linked to specific URLs (up to 500).
- Filter by general categories (fashion, cars, weapons, etc.) with a maximum of 200.
- Block ads from sensitive categories (politics, religion, gambling, etc.).
Keep in mind that blocking more ads may reduce your revenue if you're a content creator, and that this setting only affects ads that appear on the standard playback page (not in Shorts or home feeds).
YouTube Premium Subscription: The Official and Legal Solution
The simplest, most direct, and YouTube-approved way to remove all ads is to purchase a YouTube Premium subscription. This paid service offers numerous advantages:
- Ad-free viewing in all videos, whether at the beginning, during playback, or even overlay ads, banners, and sponsored recommendations.
- Access to video downloads for offline viewing.
- Function of background playback, ideal for mobile devices.
- YouTube Music Premium included to enjoy music without ads.
The cost varies by country and subscription type (individual, family, or student), but it often changes and offers free trials. Once subscribed, ads will no longer appear on all devices where your account is used.
Furthermore, this method supports content creators , as YouTube allocates a portion of the monthly payment based on what you watch. It's the only completely legal and risk-free alternative that doesn't require installing programs, extensions, or modifying your browser or device settings.
Ad-blocking extensions: alternatives for browsers
Another commonly used resource is ad-blocking extensions , such as Adblock Plus, Adblock for YouTube, and SponsorBlock. These tools allow you to remove both video ads and banner and pop-up ads on the web version of YouTube.
- Go to your browser's extensions store (e.g., Chrome Web Store).
- Search for the desired extension (such as Adblock Plus, “Adblock for YouTube” or “SponsorBlock for YouTube”).
- Install the extension and follow the steps to add it to your browser.
- Go to YouTube and, if necessary, configure the settings. block lists to adjust ad filtering to your preference.
Advantages: easy to install, configure specific filters, allow custom blocking (such as skipping sponsors in videos with SponsorBlock). However, there are some limitations:
- Some extensions may stop working if YouTube changes its policies or detects the use of blockers.
- Sometimes, YouTube may display messages requesting to disable Adblock to continue playback, or even block viewing if it detects active extensions.
- They generally only work on the desktop web version, not within the official YouTube mobile app.
Extensions are very useful for those who watch YouTube on browsers on PCs, Macs, or even mobile browsers that support extensions.
Use alternative browsers with ad blocking
The Brave browser is an increasingly popular option among those who want to block ads not only on YouTube, but also on most websites without having to rely on additional extensions.
- Download Brave from the Google Play Store or the official website for PC and Mac.
- Install and access the browser.
- Enter the YouTube URL in the address bar and log in normally with your Google account.
Unlike the YouTube app, using YouTube from Brave automatically blocks most ads, including banners and in many cases even in-video ads, and protects your privacy by blocking trackers.
Among its most appreciated features are:
- Background playback (ideal for listening to music or podcasts).
- Intuitive interface and extension support.
- Easily download directly from official stores, avoiding the security risks associated with installing modified APKs.
This solution is especially recommended for those who use YouTube on Android and are looking for an ad-free alternative to the official app.
Using VPNs to access YouTube without ads from countries
Another advanced technique involves using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) that simulates you connecting from countries where YouTube does not show ads, such as Albania, Moldova, or Myanmar.
- Install a VPN (such as ExpressVPN, Surfshark, ProtonVPN, PIA or NordVPN) that allows you to choose servers in those countries.
- Connect to the server in the desired country before accessing YouTube.
- YouTube will recognize your IP as originating from that country, so no ads will be shown (due to the lack of active advertising programs in that area).
Advantages and disadvantages of this method:
- Works on any VPN-enabled device (PC, mobile, Smart TV with VPN apps, etc.).
- You can limit YouTube's data collection.
- You need to turn on the VPN every time you want to use YouTube without ads.
- Playback speed may be reduced, affecting video quality.
- Some devices (such as certain Smart TVs or media players) do not allow you to easily install VPNs.
This method, while effective, usually requires a paid VPN subscription (free ones often have data limits) and may be less practical for the average user. However, it's a very attractive alternative on platforms where other solutions don't work.
Device-specific solutions: computers, mobile phones, smart TVs, and more
The ability to remove ads on YouTube varies depending on the device you're using . Here's a summary of what works and what doesn't in each case:
- PC/Mac: Browser extensions and VPNs are effective. Brave is also a great browser.
- Android phones: Brave supports blocking. Extensions can work on browsers like Kiwi or Yandex that support Chrome extensions.
- iOS Mobiles: Content blockers like 1Blocker for Safari can reduce banner ads, although the official YouTube app doesn't allow blockers.
- Smart TV: Options are limited. VPNs can work if the TV allows you to install VPN apps or if the router is configured correctly. Browsers with built-in blocking (few models) can help. YouTube Premium is the universal alternative.
FAQs and additional tips for reducing ads on YouTube
Can I remove only certain ads but not all of them? Yes, creators can filter ads by category or URL from YouTube Studio. As a user, you can customize ads in your Google Ads settings to receive less targeted advertising.
What happens if YouTube detects ad blockers? Sometimes, the platform may ask you to disable them to continue playing videos. Some extensions may stop working or become temporarily ineffective.
Are the methods legal? All those included here are legal and legitimate, except for downloading unofficial modified apps, which is not recommended for security and privacy reasons.
Is YouTube Premium transferable to all my devices? Yes, as long as you use the same account on each device (mobile, PC, Smart TV), you'll enjoy the ad-free experience.
Does using a VPN affect the rest of my browsing? Yes, while the VPN is active, your IP address will be from the selected country, affecting the location of services in general. Remember to deactivate it if you need to return to your real location.
Are there other alternatives? Some users resort to third-party players or unofficial apps to watch YouTube without ads. Their use is not recommended as they can compromise security and privacy, and also violate the platform's policies.
There are multiple ways to remove or reduce ads on YouTube , from official and supported methods (like YouTube Premium) to more advanced options such as using VPNs or alternative browsers with built-in ad blocking. Choosing the best option depends on your usage habits, your tolerance level for ads, and the devices you use to access the platform. By following these methods, you can customize your experience, enjoy videos, music, and playlists without interruptions, and, if you wish, continue supporting creators through safe and legal alternatives.