Users of the DuckDuckGo browser can now enjoy YouTube videos without being interrupted by advertisements. On Wednesday, the company announced that its browser is now equipped with a video ad blocking tool, which effectively stops both preroll ads and those that occur mid-video. This new functionality is available across the company's desktop web browser as well as its mobile applications.
Utilizing uBlock Origin filter lists
To identify and filter out these intrusive advertisements, DuckDuckGo relies on established filter lists provided by uBlock Origin. Because of this integration, the browser can successfully prevent ads from displaying on YouTube. The company has acknowledged that, as is common with most ad blockers, viewers might experience a slight delay in loading times or extra buffer time before the video starts. Once the content has fully loaded, however, the playback remains uninterrupted.
Automatic activation and Android exceptions
For most users, the ad blocker is enabled by default. New users installing the DuckDuckGo application will not need to perform any configuration steps to use the tool. Existing users simply need to update their browser or app to the most recent version for the blocker to take effect. There is one minor exception regarding Android devices; while the blocker works automatically for iOS, Windows, and Mac users, those using DuckDuckGo for Android are required to manually toggle the switch in the settings to activate it. The company has stated that it plans to make this feature the default for Android users in the near future as well.
How to manage the feature
To verify if the ad blocker is active on your device, navigate to the settings menu by going to Settings > Ad Blocking. It is important to note that this functionality is limited to YouTube videos viewed directly within the DuckDuckGo app or browser. If your mobile device is configured to automatically launch links in the standalone YouTube app, you will likely still see advertisements. To avoid this, ensure that your YouTube links are opened within the DuckDuckGo environment.
Flexibility for supporting creators
The feature also offers the flexibility to be toggled on or off while a video is playing. If a user wishes to support a specific creator by allowing ad revenue, they can simply enter the settings and disable the ad blocker. Crucially, this action does not require the video to be reloaded, providing a seamless user experience. While DuckDuckGo has previously blocked invasive ads and pop-ups, this marks the first time the browser has shipped with an integrated ad blocker specifically designed for video content.
