How to stop getting alcohol ads on YouTube

YouTube is the third largest search engine in the world. It’s also one of the most popular sites for Gen Zers and Millennials to watch videos, listen to music, and share content with friends.

But did you know that marketers can target you on YouTube based on your interests? A report by eMarketer shows that digital advertising spending is expected to increase by almost 20 percent this year, exceeding $100 billion worldwide. And Google leads the way with an astonishing 40% market share.

As a result, advertisers are flocking to YouTube as an effective means of reaching their target audience. However, some viewers find ads on YouTube intrusive and annoying. If you’re one of them, keep reading for tips on how to stop getting alcohol ads on YouTube and other platforms where you might see such ads.

Change browser settings

If you’re seeing alcohol ads while watching videos on YouTube, the first thing you should do is change your browser settings. YouTube allows marketers to serve contextual ads based on your demographic and location. This means that you may start seeing ads for alcohol-related products if you live in a state where such ads are legal.

If you’re seeing alcohol ads in your browser, try using incognito mode. This will help you avoid seeing ads based on your browsing history.

If you’re using the Chrome browser, click the menu icon and select “Flags.” Under “Privacy,” check “Enable Interest-Based Ads” and click “Done.” This will allow you to see alcohol ads in your browser even if you’re using incognito mode.

If you want to avoid alcohol ads, you can also select “Decline” under “Advertisements based on my interests.” If you do this, you may start seeing fewer ads of any kind on YouTube.

Block ads in the YouTube app

If you’re viewing videos on the YouTube app, you can block ads within the app by turning on the “Limit Ad Tracking” setting. This will prevent third parties from tracking your app usage and serving you ads based on your viewing history.

Be aware that blocking ads in the app means you won’t see any ads—good or bad, alcohol-related or not. If you’re not seeing alcohol ads in the app, you may want to keep this setting turned on.

To block ads in the YouTube app on your iPhone or Android device, follow these steps:

• Open the YouTube app and select your profile icon in the top-right corner.
• Select “Settings.”
• Select “Ads” and under “Limit Ad Tracking,” select “Limit.”

Block ads on your computer

If you’re starting to get alcohol ads on your computer, you can try blocking them with software designed to filter out such ads. Here are a few options that may work:

• AdBlock: AdBlock is a free browser extension that blocks ads on both computers and mobile devices.
• uBlock: uBlock is an open-source ad blocker that you can use on a computer or mobile device.
• Disconnect: Disconnect is a browser extension that blocks third-party tracking while also blocking certain types of ads.
• Privacy Badger: Privacy Badger is another browser extension that blocks third-party tracking.
• Alcohol-Free: Alcohol-Free is a browser extension that blocks alcohol ads from appearing on your computer.

Block ads on your TV

If you’re seeing alcohol ads on your TV, you can block them by installing a content filter. You can also try using a different device to access YouTube, such as a computer or tablet.
If you have a Roku device, you can use the parental controls to block certain channels. On your Apple TV, you can use the parental controls to block certain apps, including YouTube.

If you’re using a Samsung Smart TV, you can use the parental controls to block certain channels. On your Amazon Fire TV, you can use the parental controls to block certain apps, including YouTube.

If you’re seeing alcohol ads on YouTube, you don’t have to put up with them—no matter what device you’re using. We recommend trying the tips outlined in this article to block such ads. Remember, you can also get more control over your YouTube experience by joining the YouTube Premium subscription service.

And if you’re a parent, you can learn more about keeping your kids safe online and how to block alcohol ads using the tips in this article.

Keep in mind that alcohol ads may not be the only ads that you’re seeing. You may be getting ads for all sorts of products, services, and websites because advertisers are paying big bucks to get in front of your eyeballs. If you don’t like what you’re seeing, it’s up to you to take action.