YouTube reportedly hides comments and descriptions for users with ad blockers

YouTube appears to be intensifying its fight against ad blockers, with users reporting that core features such as comments and video descriptions are being restricted when ad-blocking tools are enabled. Several Redditors and X users have reported this issue online. The move could be another push towards YouTube Premium subscriptions. And as you may recall, this news comes just a week after reports of YouTube Music locking lyrics behind a paywall.

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YouTube steps up its anti-ad-blocking measures

Over the past few days, multiple users on Reddit, particularly in the YouTube subreddit, have claimed that comments on various videos are no longer visible. Instead, they are shown a message stating, ‘Comments are turned off,’ even on videos where discussions are typically active. Technology news tracker PiunikaWeb has aggregated several of these reports, suggesting the issue is not isolated.

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The restrictions reportedly extend beyond comments. Some users have also said that video descriptions are not loading when ad blockers are active. Complaints have also surfaced on X.

What links many of these cases is the use of ad-blocking software. Users have noted that once they disable their ad blocker, comments and descriptions reappear. Reports also include browsers with built-in ad and tracker blocking features, such as Brave, suggesting YouTube may be targeting both extensions and native blocking tools.

Also Read: YouTube auto dubbing now supports 27 languages, lip sync, and viewer controls

YouTube has not publicly detailed these specific restrictions at the time of writing. However, the company has made its stance on ad blockers clear over the past two years. In 2023 and 2024, YouTube rolled out warnings to users with ad blockers enabled, urging them to either allow ads or subscribe to YouTube Premium. In some cases, playback was temporarily disabled until the ad blocker was turned off. The platform has also taken steps to limit background playback workarounds on Android devices.

YouTube, owned by Google, relies heavily on advertising revenue to fund creators and its own operations. Blocking ads directly affects that model. As digital advertising growth slows and subscription revenues become more important, platforms are likely to tighten enforcement against ad-blocking tools.

A premium solution

The issue appears to affect some YouTube Premium subscribers as well, particularly those who continue to use ad blockers despite paying for an ad-free experience. This has led to frustration among users who feel they are being penalised despite subscribing.

We haven’t faced this issue yet. We have YouTube Premium and use built-in adblocking on the Brave browser. It appears that YouTube may be implementing a phased enforcement.

Still, for users facing it, the easy workaround is to disable the ad blocker. Or, you can subscribe to YouTube Premium. YouTube Premium Lite costs Rs 89/month, Premium costs Rs 149/month, or Premium Family at Rs 299/month.

Keep reading Digit.in for similar stories.

Also Read: Spotify now lets you use lyrics, previews and translations offline: Here’s how

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G. S. Vasan

G.S. Vasan is the chief copy editor at Digit, where he leads coverage of TVs and audio. His work spans reviews, news, features, and maintaining key content pages. Before joining Digit, he worked with publications like Smartprix and 91mobiles, bringing over six years of experience in tech journalism. His articles reflect both his expertise and passion for technology. View Full Profile