What the hell is YouTube doing?

[Ron Schmit]

Hey, anyone out there with special YouTube knowledge that can help me? Ads are popping up during MAS videos, including Dave's BSIG presentation and Bryan's video of his observatory deployment. As far as I can tell, there shouldn't be ads in these, but here we are.

Can you help me with my YouTube troubles? I've tried calling them, but they don't answer their phones.

[ValtsTreibergs]

Yes, YouTube can and does run ads on non-monetized channels, meaning even if a creator hasn't opted into the YouTube Partner Program to monetize their videos, ads may still appear on their content based on viewer interests and YouTube's ad system; this is because YouTube has the right to monetize content on their platform, even if the creator isn't actively participating in monetization.
I guess nothing in life is free anymore.

[Ron Schmit]

So, is there anything I can do to shut that off?

[tugger]

Subscribe to YouTube premium. There's a rumor that there's a YouTube "Lite" coming to only cover YouTube because the current plans include YouTube Music.

Someone has to pay Google. The question no is how much is your time worth waiting for those ads to finish.

[Ron Schmit]

Thanks, Tuggster! I guess I'll just have to put up with the Grainger ads, because I'm all tapped out with my streaming services on Amazon Prime,
Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Hulu, Shudder, Paramount +, Peacock, Crunchyroll, Discovery+, MGM+, Sling TV, DirecTV, Fubo, Philo, Hulu, ESPN+, NBA League Pass, NFL Game Pass, Willow TV, F1 TV, Ginx, NHL.TV, Twitter, DAZN, WWE Network... Oh, and the 750 channels I get with basic cable.

"A man's got to know his limitations."
~Dirty Harry

[SEmert]

Ha! Remember when we started cutting the cord of cable TV and started using Netflix and maybe Hulu when it was free in order to reduce the costs we were paying as compared to cable?! Those good old days didn't last long!

[setnes]

We still use an antenna for TV.

Ha! Remember when we started cutting the cord of cable TV and started using Netflix and maybe Hulu when it was free in order to reduce the costs we were paying as compared to cable?! Those good old days didn't last long!

[markjob]

Yep. we are down to just an antenna too.

[SEmert]

I've always had an antenna, but I admit I do subscribe to a couple streaming services.

I've had cable twice. Once for a month at my old house, decided it wasn't worth it and had it shut down. Once at this house, again for only a month, because they immediately increased the price by $20 (or maybe more) per month, the month after I had it installed. No way!

[Deane Clark]

If they're going to run ads anyway, can we monetize and make a little for the club?

[clayton]

From what I found the YouTube Partner Program required to get an ad share has to be joined. To be eligible for YPP, channels must meet certain requirements, such as having at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months. We have 560 subscribers. I am unaware how many watched hours. Napkin math of 24 (monthly meeting + BSIG) videos at 90min each per year gives a need of about 111 views each. At this minimum level if reached i found estimates of $10 to $30 dollars earned if ads are watched. Some sources reported up to $300 per month , however I think that may be an exaggeration.

[Deane Clark]

Thanks Clayton. Sounds like it’s not worth the effort.

[zimitsj]

I use DuckDuckGo as my web browser and only view YouTube videos via the built in Duck Player. No commercials!
https://duckduckgo.com/app
I love this browser. It takes care of unwanted popups as well.
No, I am not getting a kickback. I may check into that though. Ha!
John

[AirBourn]

I use the Brave Browser on MacOS - it completely stops all ads in YouTube videos.

[AirBourn]

I use the Brave Browser on MacOS - it completely stops all ads in YouTube videos.

[Ron Schmit]

John:

Thanks for the tip. I've installed the Duck Player and it is working like a champion!

Can't believe what a difference this makes. I feel like I'm sticking it to the man! Think I'll go cheat on my taxes. Wahoo!! I'm free, baby!

[zimitsj]

I've been using it for years, since it was in Beta. Hmmm, ... Duck Duck-IRS, interesting concept. You didn't hear that from me. Ha!