DuckDuckGo fights YouTube ads with new adblocking feature
Be gone, YouTube ads.
DuckDuckGo. Nurphoto via Getty Images.
- DuckDuckGo says its browser can now block most YouTube ads before and during videos.
- The feature is on by default for iPhone, Windows, and Mac, while Android users must enable it in settings.
- Adblocking works only on YouTube’s website inside DuckDuckGo, not in the YouTube app or mobile links.
- The move strengthens DuckDuckGo’s privacy-focused pitch as users seek alternatives to Google’s AI-heavy search changes.
Key Takeaways by nexos.ai, reviewed by Cybernews staff.
DuckDuckGo, the privacy-focused search engine, announced that its users can now watch YouTube content without ads. The feature is both iOS and Android-friendly.
“Tired of ads interrupting your videos? Us, too,” wrote the company, sharing that its browser now blocks “most video ads, including YouTube.”
The feature blocks ads shown before and during videos, allowing users to watch content without interruptions.
How does DuckDuckGo's YouTube adblocking work?
According to the company, search engine users don’t need to make any changes to their settings, as YouTube adblocking is already enabled by default on Windows, iOS, and Mac.
Nevertheless, the default adblocking feature settings are only available for Android users. In the meantime, users need to turn it on by going to Settings and enabling ad blocking.
DuckDuckGo noted that if users can’t see the new feature, they need to make sure the app is running the latest version.
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The feature can also be enabled or disabled at any time in the settings.
However, the company notes that the feature doesn’t work when the video is opened through a mobile link. For YouTube adblocking to work, the content must be opened in the DuckDuckGo browser on the YouTube website. It also won’t work in the YouTube app.
The company also warns that “as with most adblockers,” using YouTube adblocking could result in additional buffering. Nevertheless, once the video loads, users shouldn’t be interrupted with ads.
Other DuckDuckGo features
This isn’t the only user-focused feature that the search engine provides.
The company previously introduced its DuckPlayer, a built-in YouTube viewer that offers a “distraction-free theater mode” and helps protect users from tracking cookies and personalized ads.
As a privacy-focused browser, last year it also introduced a filter that blocks images generated by AI.
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This way, the company is trying to reduce the number of AI-generated images shown online, as more users express frustration that AI-generated content outperforms human-generated content.
This year, DuckDuckGo saw a 30% user spike after many users decided to switch their browsers amid Google's AI search overhaul.
FAQ about DuckDuckGo's adblocking feature
How to access YouTube adblocking?
It’s on by default for iPhone, Windows, and Mac. On Android, turn it on in Settings > Adblocking for now.
How does YouTube adblocking work?
It uses community filter lists from uBlock Origin and DuckDuckGo rules to block ads before and during YouTube videos.
Does YouTube adblocking work on Android?
Yes, but for now, you need to enable it manually in Settings > adblocking. It doesn’t work in the YouTube app.
FAQ by nexos.ai, reviewed by Cybernews staff.
