If you’re tempted to skip this intro and jump straight to the solutions, we get it.
But before you do, here’s something you should know—blocking YouTube ads isn’t as simple as it seems, and Google has measures in place to protect its revenue stream in case you’re trying to be too smart.
Sure, YouTube offers a Premium subscription to remove ads, but let’s be honest, not everyone is keen on adding another monthly bill just to enjoy content.
We’ve tested everything from the AdShield on Brave’s browser to obscure third-party apps to find out the best free ways that actually work and what’s just tech folklore.
Stick around for a minute to understand why these ads exist, and most importantly, how you can reclaim your viewing experience without breaking the bank.
TLDR: Quick List
- Download the videos
- Install an ad-blocking extension
- Use a browser with a built-in Adblocker
- Use a modded YouTube app
- Use a VPN or DNS server
- Sign out temporarily
Why are there ads on YouTube in the first place?
And how this concerns you.
With over 2 billion users, YouTube is the second most-visited site in the world. Naturally, that kind of audience makes it a prime spot for brands looking to promote their products.
For many people between 18 and 40, YouTube is the main source of news, entertainment, and education. That gives advertisers a direct way to reach potential customers where they spend the most time.
Even though video ads can be skipped, they still get better engagement than other content types. As recurring and intrusive as they may be, the type of ad you see depends on your search history, watch habits, and location. At least in this case, you can see what your data is being used for.
A Nigerian gadget enthusiast, for example, is more likely to see an Oraimo promo.
Most techies suggest using incognito mode (Ctrl+Shift+N / Cmd+Shift+N) to prevent YouTube from tracking their data for ad targeting, but this doesn’t remove ads completely.
From a business perspective, it’s understandable why YouTube ads run, but for users, they’re just another interruption unless you’re studying ad strategies. Either way, there are ways to remove them.
How to watch YouTube without Ads in 2025: 6 free and effective methods
With YouTube’s Ad revenue hitting $8.9 billion in Q3 2024, ads aren’t going anywhere. But if you’d rather skip them without paying for YouTube Premium, here are six free ways to enjoy YouTube without ads with limitations for each.
Method 1: Download the videos
If ads are too much, downloading YouTube videos for offline viewing is an easy fix. The official way is through YouTube Premium, but if that’s not an option, third-party tools work just as well on mobile and desktop.
How to use free YouTube downloaders:
- Go to a trusted site like ytmp3.cc, SaveFrom.net, or 4K Video Downloader.
- Copy the YouTube video URL.
- Paste it into the downloader’s input box.
- Select the video quality and format, then start the download.
- Play the video offline, no ads.
Limitations:
- Some downloaders might contain malware.
- Requires enough storage space.
Method 2: Install an Ad-Blocking Extension
Browser-based ad blockers are a free and simple way to stop ads on YouTube while on desktop. Tools like AdGuard, Ghostery, and uBlock Origin filter out ad scripts before they load.
These extensions are easy to install and work with most browsers.
How to install an Ad-Blocker
- Visit the extension’s official site or the Chrome Web Store.
- Install the extension in your browser.
- Enable it, and it will start blocking ads immediately.
Limitations:
- Can be tricky for non-tech users.
- May interfere with YouTube, causing some videos or features to break.
Method 3: Use a browser with a built-in Adblocker
Browsers like Brave and Opera come with built-in ad blockers that remove ads at the browser level. Just download and install the browser on any device, enable the ad blocker, and enjoy ad-free YouTube without needing extensions or add-ons.
On desktop, it works smoothly. On mobile, you can switch windows, and YouTube will keep playing in the background.
Limitations:
- Doesn’t work for Smart TVs.
- Mobile versions can be buggy.
Steps to update Brave Shields for Ad Blocking on YouTube:
To ensure Brave Shields is blocking YouTube ads effectively, you need to update the content filtering lists.
- On desktop, head to settings, find Shields, under Content filtering, toggle on the youtube distractions filter and click the update button.
- On iOS and Android: Go to Settings, navigate to Shields & Privacy, locate Content Filtering and update the lists.
After that, clear your cookies and refresh YouTube.
Method 4: Use a modded YouTube app
Third-party apps block ads at the network or system level before they even load. They work on smartphones, computers, and smart TVs, offering background playback, picture-in-picture mode, and video downloads without ads. Most of these apps aren’t modified versions of YouTube but standalone players built for privacy and functionality.
Some of the best options for ad-free playback across devices include LibreTube, NewPipe, SkyTube, and SmartTube for smart TVs.
Limitations:
- Syncing watch history and playlists isn’t always reliable.
Method 5: Use a VPN or DNS server
A VPN can reduce region-specific ads by connecting to a country where YouTube shows fewer ads. Some European regions, for example, have a lighter ad load, making for a smoother experience.
To use this method, install a VPN service like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or ProtonVPN. Once connected to a suitable server, open YouTube and enjoy videos with fewer interruptions. Some VPNs, like NordVPN’s CyberSec and Surfshark’s CleanWeb, also include built-in ad blockers.
A DNS-based solution like Pi-hole or AdGuard DNS can block ads across all devices on your network, including phones, tablets, and smart TVs. Pi-hole, running on a Raspberry Pi, filters out most ads at the network level. However, YouTube ads are harder to block because they come from the same domain as the videos.
For a simpler setup, AdGuard DNS works without extra hardware and can be configured directly on a phone or router to block ads and trackers at the DNS level.
Limitations:
- May not fully block YouTube ads since they load from the same domain as the videos.
- Works better when paired with an ad blocker for a better experience.
Method 6: Sign out temporarily
If you still can’t make peace with ads, it’s possible to find the video or channel you want to watch and then sign out of your YouTube account. Use the search bar to find the content and watch without personalised ads.
Limitations:
- No watch history.
- Limited access to age-restricted content.
- Can affect other Google-dependent apps on desktop.
To conclude
These six methods let you watch YouTube without ads, but keep in mind that avoiding the official app means losing features like commenting, liking, and subscribing. You can also disable targeted ads across Google services for a better streaming experience.
