Google’s Chrome is the go-to browser for most people. However, folks have started to move away from the dominant web browser in favor of other options, especially when there’s a need for specific tools and features. One of the more potent additions to any browser over the past decade was the ability to remove ads from websites and streaming services like YouTube.
But that era is now finally coming to a close for some folks. However, DuckDuckGo has now announced that its browser will block ads on YouTube, with the brand stating that you can “get the full YouTube experience, minus the ads.” This feature will be available for all major platforms, including Android (via Android Authority).
You’ll need to watch it all through a browser, though
The only catch is that you won’t be going through the YouTube app for this new experience. Instead, you’ll need to download the DuckDuckGo browser. The good news is that this feature will be on by default on iOS, Windows, and macOS. It will be auto-enabled on Android in the future, but for now, you’ll need to enable it.
DuckDuckGo states that in order to enable the feature, you’ll need to head into the Settings menu and navigate to the Ad Blocking section. You’ll want to enable YouTube Ad Blocking. You can always disable it if needed as well. If you’ve never heard of it, DuckDuckGo has been around for some time, providing an alternate browsing experience with a focus on privacy.
The browser delivers a clean and easy-to-use interface, along with plenty of tools to keep you and your data safe. Google Chrome has a ton of features, and sometimes, it’s just a bit too much, with many feeling that it’s become too bloated. DuckDuckGo strips things down, while still offering some excellent features.
As far as how DuckDuckGo is able to deliver this in its browser, well, it utilizes “community-driven filter lists sourced from uBlock Origin.” So, while the experience won’t be perfect, it’s going to be better than getting flooded with a ton of ads. It’s not going to be for everyone, but since DuckDuckGo is free, it’s worth giving it a shot.
If you’re not really keen on what this browser has to offer, and still want to remove ads from YouTube, you can always pay for YouTube Premium if you want to.
