Many users on Reddit and X have complained that YouTube has stopped showing comments and video descriptions on devices with ad blockers. It's worth noting that YouTube has been taking a strict stance against ad blockers.

YouTube cracks down on ad blockers

YouTube has been waging a war against ad blockers for some time now. Now, further escalating this crackdown, YouTube has stopped showing comments and video descriptions to users using ad blockers. Many users have complained about this on Reddit and X. It's worth noting that YouTube wants to push more people towards its premium subscriptions. Recently, the company added lyrics to YouTube Music, a premium feature that was previously free. 

Comments are off view.

Over the past few days, many users on Reddit and X have claimed that they are unable to see comments below videos. Even with comments enabled on videos, users using ad blockers are being shown a message stating, "Comments are turned off." Similarly, many users have claimed that they are unable to see video descriptions. When their ad blocker is enabled, the descriptions don't load. Users have reported that comments and video descriptions become visible once they disable their ad blocker. 

No response from YouTube

YouTube has yet to comment on either complaint, but the company has warned against using ad blockers on several occasions. In 2023 and 2024, YouTube urged users to remove their ad blockers or subscribe to a YouTube Premium subscription. In several cases, the company even blocked video playback on devices with ad blockers.

Why are ad blockers a headache for YouTube?

Ad blockers prevent YouTube from running ads on videos, which reduces revenue. In fact, ads are essential to YouTube, and its entire model is based on them. Ads are also a key factor in keeping YouTube free, rather than a subscription-based service like Netflix. This also allows creators to earn money.