If you noticed Youtube videos loading slowly or lagging in your laptop or computer browser, you are not alone. While the reasons may be different, here’s what you need to know:
- Possible causes: Slow YouTube can result from internet connection issues, outdated browsers, limited computer resources, or even high demand on YouTube’s servers.
- Troubleshooting: Before assuming any intentional slowdown, try basic troubleshooting steps like checking your Internet speed, refreshing your browser, and closing unnecessary tabs or background programs.
Important note: While there have been reports in the past about YouTube performance varying in different scenarios, it’s important to first address the most common causes of slowdowns before making broader assumptions.
What happened: Amid reports of YouTube getting throttled in the browser and users saying it’s sluggish and sluggish, the Google subsidiary has now confirmed these issues.
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YouTube is doing this on purpose, according to a statement released to the Android Authority.
“To support a diverse ecosystem of creators globally and enable billions to access their favorite content on YouTube, we launched an effort to invite viewers with ad blockers enabled to allow advertising on YouTube or try YouTube Premium for a ‘ad-free experience,’ YouTube spokesperson Lo said.
YouTube’s ad blocking crackdown is well known by now, so this doesn’t say anything new. The clincher is in the line below.
“Users who have ad blockers installed may experience suboptimal viewing, regardless of the browser they are using,” YouTube added.
What does this mean?
Basically, assume you have an ad blocker installed in Google Chrome, Firefox, or other web browsers. If this happens, your YouTube experience will be “suboptimal”: YouTube will perform worse, lag more, and lag.
How to fix YouTube slowdown
YouTube needs ads to serve, so worsening the experience for users who use ad blocking makes business sense.
By worsening the user experience for users who use ad blocking, YouTube is sending a message: disable ad blocking or pay for a YouTube Premium subscription.
This crackdown also comes at a time when YouTube Premium prices have been increased dramatically: some plans now cost double.
There are currently three possible solutions to fix slow YouTube:
1. Use YouTube in incognito or private mode
We have observed that YouTube delays are not implemented if you open the website in an incognito or private window.
It’s important to note that we tested this method by not logging into our Google accounts.
This means that your playlists, favorites and subscriptions will not be available – you will have to search for them manually.
That said, this is the simplest solution for now and allows you to continue using an ad blocker.
2. Turn off your ad blocker
Ads are essential for services like YouTube and other money-making websites.
YouTube has tried to make this point, while users have reported that ads on the video streaming service have gotten progressively worse.
That said, though, you may want to consider disabling ad blocking for YouTube to resolve throttling issues.
3. Pay for YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium offers a completely ad-free experience, so if you’re tired of this cat-and-mouse game, you might want to consider subscribing.
YouTube Premium now costs $13.99 per month in the US, so keep that in mind before you make the leap.
Photo by Chubo – my masterpiece on Shutterstock
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