Many YouTube users find Snapchat ads annoying and disruptive when trying to watch videos on the platform. These ads play before, during or after YouTube videos. If you want to stop seeing Snapchat ads on YouTube, there are a few options you can try:
Use an Ad Blocker
One of the easiest ways to stop Snapchat ads on YouTube is to use an ad blocker. Ad blockers are browser extensions or apps that block ads from loading on websites and videos. Some popular ad blockers include:
- uBlock Origin – Free browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.
- AdBlock – Free browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.
- AdBlock Plus – Free browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.
These ad blockers will stop Snapchat and other ads from playing on YouTube. When installed, they will block ad content from loading on web pages and videos.
To use an ad blocker:
- Install the ad blocker extension on your browser.
- Ensure the ad blocker is enabled.
- Go to YouTube and try watching a video. Snapchat and other ads should not play.
The advantage of using an ad blocker is that it blocks ads on all websites, not just YouTube. This provides a much better overall browsing experience without constant interruptions from ads.
Use YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium is a paid subscription service that removes all ads on YouTube, including Snapchat ads. With a YouTube Premium subscription, you’ll get:
- No ads on videos
- Play YouTube videos in the background
- Download videos for offline viewing
- Access to YouTube Music Premium
The big benefit of YouTube Premium is that it removes all ads sitewide on YouTube. This includes pre-roll, mid-roll, and display ads. Since Snapchat buys regular video ads on YouTube like any advertiser, their ads will be blocked too.
The downside is that YouTube Premium costs money. It’s $11.99 per month in the U.S. But for many users, it’s worth paying to completely remove ads and support creators.
Click “Stop Seeing This Ad”
When a Snapchat ad plays on YouTube, you’ll see a small “i” icon in the bottom left corner. Click this icon. An option will pop up saying “Stop Seeing This Ad”. Click it.
This tells YouTube you don’t want to see that specific ad again. Doing this repeatedly with Snapchat ads can start to remove them from your YouTube experience.
However, this is just on an ad-by-ad basis. It’s still possible Snapchat may serve you other ads that you’ll have to block individually. So it’s not as effective as an ad blocker or YouTube Premium.
Adjust Ad Settings
You can adjust your Google ad settings to potentially see less Snapchat ads:
- Go to adssettings.google.com while logged into your Google account.
- Under “Your interests”, look for any interest categories related to Snapchat or social media.
- Click the toggle next to the interest and turn it off.
This tells Google not to show you ads tailored to that interest when possible. Doing this for Snapchat-related interests may decrease the frequency you see their ads.
However, Snapchat also buys generic YouTube video ads just like any company. So you may still see some of their ads even after adjusting your interests.
Use a VPN or Proxy Service
Using a VPN (virtual private network) or proxy service is another option to stop seeing Snapchat ads on YouTube.
Here’s how it works:
- A VPN or proxy routes your internet traffic through a remote server, masking your IP address.
- This makes it look like your traffic is coming from the VPN/proxy server location, not your actual location.
- Changing your perceived location can change the ads served by YouTube in some cases.
So by routing your traffic through a different country, you may avoid region-specific Snapchat ads. However, VPNs/proxies do have downsides:
- Can slow down internet speed
- Cost money for paid services
- Don’t always work reliably for ads
Free browser extensions like Hola VPN or TunnelBear offer limited free usage if you want to test this option. But overall, an ad blocker is usually a simpler solution.
Use YouTube Vanced (Android only)
YouTube Vanced is a modified YouTube app for Android that blocks all ads on YouTube. It provides Premium-like features for free including:
- No video ads
- Background play
- Video downloads
Since it’s not officially supported by Google, you have to install YouTube Vanced by downloading the APK and installing it manually.
The benefits are obvious – no more ads and free Premium features. But there are risks modifying the official YouTube app or installing untrusted APKs. Use at your own discretion.
Complain to Snapchat
If Snapchat ads are particularly frequent or intrusive, you can complain directly to Snapchat via their support page or social media channels.
Explain that you frequently see their ads on YouTube and find them disruptive to your viewing experience. Request they reduce the volume of YouTube video ads they purchase.
If enough users provide this feedback, it’s possible Snapchat may adjust their YouTube ad strategy. But there’s no guarantee they will make any changes. So this is more of a supplemental option along with other methods.
Conclusion
To summarize, here are the top 5 methods to stop seeing Snapchat ads on YouTube:
- Use an ad blocker like uBlock Origin
- Pay for YouTube Premium
- Click “Stop Seeing This Ad” on each Snapchat ad
- Adjust your ad settings and interests
- Use a VPN service or YouTube Vanced (Android only)
The single best option for most users is installing an ad blocker like uBlock Origin or AdBlock. Ad blockers reliably stop ads from loading across all websites including YouTube.
YouTube Premium provides site-wide ad blocking too, but requires a paid subscription. Other methods like adjusting settings or using a VPN can help but may not completely eliminate Snapchat ads.
No matter which method you choose, reducing disruptive ads on YouTube can greatly improve your viewing experience. With the right approach, those bothersome Snapchat ads will be a thing of the past.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I suddenly seeing lots of Snapchat ads on YouTube?
Snapchat has likely increased their video ad buys on YouTube recently. Major brands will often adjust their YouTube ad budgets to increase exposure. If you’re seeing more Snapchat ads, it means they are spending more on YouTube video advertising.
Are Snapchat ads on YouTube targeted?
Some Snapchat ads on YouTube are targeted based on your interests and browsing history. Others are broader “pre-roll” ads shown to many viewers. Targeted ads are based on data like your location, watch history, and Google account details.
Are Snapchat ads illegal or inappropriate?
Snapchat ads on YouTube must follow Google’s policies like any advertiser. They go through an approval process and are unlikely to be illegal or overly intrusive. But if you see an ad that is inappropriate, you can report it to YouTube.
Will disconnecting Snapchat stop their YouTube ads?
Probably not. Your Snapchat usage or account details may inform targeting for some ads. But Snapchat also buys regular YouTube video ads unrelated to specific user data. Disconnecting Snapchat alone is unlikely to fully stop their ads.
Why do I keep seeing the same Snapchat ad over and over?
Frequent repetition of the same ad is common on YouTube. Brands will run an ad for a certain period of time, which can lead to repeated views from the same audience. Try clicking “Stop Seeing This Ad” to potentially vary the ads you see.
Explanation in Depth
Snapchat has become one of the largest purchasers of video advertising on platforms like YouTube. Their lively, colorful ads aim to reinforce brand awareness among the coveted young adult demographic.
On YouTube, Snapchat typically buys:
- Pre-roll ads – Play before video starts
- Mid-roll ads – Play during a break in the video
- Display ads – Banners around video player or page
They may purchase standard in-stream inventory, or target users based on location, watch history, and other factors. Their total YouTube ad spend has ballooned as the service expands its offerings like Snapchat Discover and Spotlight.
Unfortunately for users, these Snapchat ads interrupt videos and clutter feeds. They can appear repetitive and increasingly frustrating.
So what motivates Snapchat’s YouTube strategy, and how can users fight back?
Why Snapchat Buys YouTube Ads
There are a few key reasons why Snapchat allocates significant budgets towards YouTube advertising:
- Massive reach – Over 2 billion monthly YouTube users globally
- Targeting capabilities – Location, contextual, behavioral, and more
- Younger demographics – Crucial for Snapchat’s market
- Brand safety – YouTube provides lower risk than social or other digital platforms
- Video trending – People increasingly engage with video ads
The sheer size of the YouTube audience allows Snapchat to drive brand awareness widely, even outside its core app. YouTube’s targeting and audience data also lets them zero in on specific user segments – like existing Snapchat users or high-value prospects.
And YouTube offers a “safe” environment away from the brand risks inherent on Snapchat or other social platforms. For all these reasons, Snapchat dedicates sizable budgets to YouTube video advertising.
How Users Can Fight Back
Fighting back requires blocking or obstructing Snapchat’s ability to serve you ads. This reduces the incentive for them to purchase YouTube inventory in the future.
Users have several options:
- Prevent ads from loading with an ad blocker
- Remove ads entirely as a Premium subscriber
- Click “stop seeing this ad” to improve targeting
- Alter Google ad profile and interests
- Use geographic or IP masking tactics like VPNs
While YouTube and Snapchat have incentives to serve ads, users can take back some control. By combining tech workarounds with feedback to Snapchat, we may start seeing fewer disruptions from their marketing machine.
The Path Forward
YouTube advertising isn’t going away. And major brands like Snapchat will continue pushing into video platforms to find new audiences.
But users have more ability than ever to shape their own experiences online. Though ads may never disappear entirely, we can create better, more intentional spaces through our choices.
This guide provided actionable steps to curate your YouTube feed and reduce annoyances. Now put these tips to use for a more enjoyable viewing experience.
There are always more metrics to optimize and dollars to be spent on advertising. But users don’t have to passively accept poor or invasive experiences. With knowledge and tools, we can get closer to the Internet we want to see.