DuckDuckGo has launched a feature that blocks most video ads, particularly on YouTube, when using its browser. This capability is based on open-source community filter lists from uBlockOrigin. The company may also implement its own rules for improved compatibility, though users may experience longer buffering times and unexpected issues while the ad blocker is active.
The ad blocking feature will be enabled by default for most users on iPhone, Windows, and Mac. It is expected to be automatically activated for Android users soon, but can currently be manually turned on in the browser settings. Users can toggle the YouTube ad blocking on or off through the settings menu on all platforms.
To utilize this ad blocker, users must watch videos in the DuckDuckGo browser rather than the YouTube app, the company emphasized.
