Katarzyna Petru
YouTube users have started to notice strange behaviour of the service when using browser ad blockers. In many cases, a message appears under videos indicating that comments are disabled even if discussions are actually ongoing. Sometimes, video descriptions, which contain additional information, links, or sources, also disappear. Interestingly, the problem often resolves itself after refreshing the page or disabling the ad-blocking extension. This phenomenon is reported by users across various browsers and devices. More and more people are beginning to suspect that this is not just a coincidence.
Comments as a "Tool of Pressure"?
The comments section is a key element for many viewers on YouTube, a place for discussion, exchange of opinions, and complementing video content. If the platform is indeed restricting access to it for users with an active adblocker, it may be a form of indirect pressure to give up blocking ads or switch to YouTube Premium. This isn't the first time YouTube has tested methods of combating ad-blocking extensions. In the past, warning messages, slower video loading times, and even temporary playback blocks have appeared. However, limiting the visibility of comments would be a new, more subtle way of "encouraging" users to watch ads.
Technical problem or deliberate test?
At this moment, YouTube has not issued an official statement on this matter. It is therefore unclear whether we are dealing with a bug following recent changes to the interface or a controlled experiment. However, the scale of reports suggests that the situation does not concern isolated cases. If this phenomenon turns out to be part of an anti-adblock strategy, it could trigger another wave of dissatisfaction. For creators, it also poses a potential problem as reduced visibility of comments means a drop in interactions and community engagement.
YouTube has been trying for years to limit the use of ad blockers, but disappearing comments and video descriptions is a step that strikes directly at the core functions of the platform. For now, it’s unclear whether this is a mistake or a planned strategy. One thing is certain, the tension between users and the service's advertising model is still growing.
Source: DigitalTrends
