YouTube’s a great platform that gives you a wide range of content from simple entertaining videos to Math problem explanations. However, over the past years, the commercial strategy of the platform has significantly changed. Many users get annoyed because of the ads that can appear at the most interesting moment.
This issue can be met on all devices and Roku isn’t an exception. The problem isn’t only that the ad can’t be skipped, but it also lasts long and it badly influences the viewing experience. Many users complain that before ads lasted for 5 secs and now they can last up to 30 secs or even a minute. However, have you ever wondered about what’s the reason the commercials on Roku last so long? The explanation’s quite simple.
Why long ads can’t be skipped on YouTube
Basically, if you aren’t able to skip a long ad while watching your favorite movie, it means that YouTube has its own reasons. Nowadays, there are many alternatives to YouTube, such as Netflix, Paramount, Hulu platforms, etc, where you can skip ads and even block them. However, users still like and use YouTube, as they got used to it and feel convenient while streaming content exactly with YouTube.
However, as all the streaming platforms have subscriptions, YouTube also has the Premium version. Many people wonder about the benefits of the Premium subscription. However, those who don’t use this feature may suffer from getting annoyed by long ads and spoilt viewing experience.
Roku devices are created to let you use them with pleasure. However, of course, you may face some issues with commercials. So, long ads on YouTube on Roku are one of those issues which bother users most of all.
Read also:
- How to cancel Paramount Plus on Roku
- What are the best browsers for Roku
- How to fix Roku isn’t connecting to Wi-Fi in 5 different ways
How to limit YouTube ads via Roku settings
Roku settings have many features that can solve some issues while using the device. Commercials bother the users a lot. However, Roku has provided users with a built-in opportunity in the settings to reduce the number of targeted ads. So, if you want to limit YouTube ads using Roku settings, you should follow the steps which would b mentioned in the section below:
- First of all, you should head to the Settings on your Roku device.
- After that, you should head to the “Privacy” tab and click on the “Advertising” option.
- Then, you should check the box next to the “Limit Ad Tracking”
- To complete the process, you should restart your Roku device.
Since then, the number of ads would be significantly reduced. However, you should keep in mind that after restarting your device, you’d be required to fill in the password. In case you’ve forgotten it, you shouldn’t worry, as the PIN can be always reset.
How to block YouTube ads on Roku via the router
There’s one more way to block YouTube ads on Roku. However, this method’s suitable only for those, who are skilled in this field. Even though you may use the Roku browser, the method requires only the browser on your PC, laptop, or mobile device. So, if you want to use your router settings to block the YouTube ads, you should follow the prompts which would be mentioned in the section below:
- First of all, you should open the browser and head to your router settings. You should enter “192.168.0.1” or “192.168.1.1” in your address bar. It’s important to know that the address may vary depending on your router settings or ISP.
- After that, you should log in to your router by filling in all the credentials and head to the “Advanced” tab.
- Then, you should click on the “Security, Access Controlling, or Filtering“. In this tab, you should choose the option which gives you an opportunity to block websites, domain names, or keywords.
- Next, you should add the “http://cloudservices.roku-com” link to the list.
- To complete the process, you should click on the checkbox to block Enterprise Advertising and Analytics Solutions and then restart your Roku device.
Since then, you’ll see that the number of commercials would greatly decrease and you’ll be able to watch your favorite content and not get bothered by the annoying ads that appear at inconvenient moments.
How to get a free ad with YouTube Premium
When you watch your favorite movies and TV shows on streaming platforms, you hope that you’ll get benefits from that. The same is with YouTube. However, when you see ads on streaming platforms, it may really bother you as it seems like you still watch cable TV with many long ads and that’s frustrating.
Fortunately, there’s one more solution. The YouTube Premium subscription gives you an opportunity to skip ads altogether. Moreover, you can also download the content for viewing offline. In this way, you won’t get bothered and you’ll be glad to stream your favorite videos.
Moreover, you’ll get an opportunity to watch YouTube in the background even while using other apps. You also will be able to access YouTube Music. It’s the company’s initial music streaming service which can be used ad-free, offline, and even when the screen is locked. For a better viewing experience, you can also watch the service with headphones that can be connected to your Roku device.
Read also:
- How to install the ESPN app on Roku
- How to watch Live TV on a Roku device or Roku TV
- How to cancel your Disney Plus on Roku
How much does the YouTube Premium cost
As many users are interested in experiencing the features of the service to their limits, they want to get a Premium subscription. The subscription isn’t free as on any other streaming services. YouTube gives you a trial period of the Premium version. You can use all the offered features for free for a month. After that, you’ll need to pay $11.99 monthly. There are other plans also:
- YouTube offers an annual plan which costs $119.99. It means that you’ll need to pay once and you won’t be charged every month. Moreover, purchasing an annual subscription gives you a great opportunity to save $20.
- One more plan that’s offered by YouTube is a family one. This plan is convenient for a family where everyone wants to use YouTube. It’s offered to add up to 5 people aged higher than 13 and the cost is $17.99 per month. So, you can significantly save money instead of buying the subscription separately.
- The last plan is a student’s one. It costs only $6.99 per month. However, it requires an annual verification.
As you can see, even though the ads last long on YouTube on Roku, there are always some ways to avoid watching them. So, it depends on your interests and abilities which method is suitable for you.