YouTube Faces Backlash Over Unbearable Long Ads for Free Users

YouTube is facing significant backlash over a new tactic aimed at free-tier users who use ad blockers.

In an effort to crack down on users attempting to bypass ads, YouTube has recently started serving extended, unskippable ads.

In some cases, these ads last for hours, with reports of ads spanning up to 90 hours, though the accuracy of these claims remains unverified.

The Rise of Extended Ads

In 2025, YouTube’s crackdown on ad blockers has escalated to unskippable ads lasting for an unusually long time.

While YouTube typically serves 15-second ads on mobile devices and 60-second ads on TV, some users are now encountering ads that last much longer.

One Reddit user shared an image showing a 2-hour and 52-minute ad before a 49-minute video.

Despite these reports, Google has confirmed that the extended ads are a result of users attempting to bypass them using methods like location proxies, modified apps like Vanced, and adblocker extensions.

While Google denies intentionally pushing long ads, it insists on its right to serve ads to users or encourage them to subscribe to YouTube Premium for an ad-free experience.

YouTube’s Push for Premium Subscriptions

This new approach seems designed to force users to either watch the ads or consider subscribing to YouTube Premium, which provides an ad-free viewing experience.

Google has also hinted that it may stop video playback entirely for users who continue to bypass ads.

Growing Controversy

Many users on platforms like Reddit have expressed frustration, complaining about the overwhelming length of ads before videos.

YouTube’s attempt to drive more users toward Premium subscriptions has sparked outrage, with some arguing that the company is going too far in its efforts to monetize the platform.

While YouTube maintains that it is not intentionally serving these long ads, the tactic is still raising concerns about user experience and whether such practices will push viewers to explore alternative platforms.