YouTube threatens to block viewers upon using ad blockers

Platform conducting test to increase premium subscriptions and revenue generation through ads

YouTube is running an experiment globally, preventing viewers from using ad blockers while watching videos.

According to some screenshots posted by viewers on Reddit, the video-streaming platform is showing a warning message to those who use ad blockers. 

The message says that the YouTube player will be blocked after three videos upon using ad blockers. The viewers can only continue watching more videos if they disable the blockers.

The warning message also adds that "ads allow YouTube to stay free for billions of users worldwide. You can go ad-free with YouTube Premium, and creators can still get paid from your subscription."

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After the warning message, viewers get two options to choose from; disable ad blocker and allow ads or subscribe to YouTube Premium to get rid of all advertisements.

YouTube has confirmed that the experiment is happening very rigorously. "In extreme cases, where viewers continue their use of ad blockers, playback will be temporarily disabled. We take disabling playback very seriously, and will only disable playback if viewers ignore repeated requests to allow ads on YouTube," the company said.

The platform has not confirmed how many and what regions are involved in this experiment