ALBAWABA - Popular video-sharing platform YouTube recently sparked backlash after rolling out unskippable 90-second ads for TV users, making it impossible to enjoy content properly.
According to Adwave, 150 million Americans watch YouTube on TV monthly, as more people ditch cable for greater convenience and fewer ads. However, Google's video platform has begun rolling out 90-second unskippable ads, leaving non-premium subscribers "speechless," according to a post on Reddit.
YouTube sparks backlash after introducing 90-second unskippable ads on TV
A user took to Reddit and wrote, "It was 90+ but I was too stunned to pause it quickly. Thankfully I was able to hit the “block ad” thing and skip it."
Another added, "This is their game plan: make the ads more and more insufferable until you eventually bite the bullet and subscribe to Premium."
Others offered alternatives, such as using browsers with built-in ad blockers, casting the application on their TV, and downloading less-legal options that bypass ads.
According to Dexerto, Google confirmed that it would roll out 30-second unskippable ads in March, but it seems the tech giant tripled that number, as reported by some users. The outlet added that some users will be able to ask AI questions during videos when the feature launches in beta.
