The number of YouTube viewers on smart TVs is steadily increasing. YouTube has capitalized on this interest. Earlier this month, Google announced that users using the YouTube app on their smart TVs will have to watch 30-second ads. These ads can’t be skipped. According to a report in Android Headlines, these ads will appear while watching YouTube on TV. Notably, such long ads aren’t currently shown on mobile phones and laptops.
Until now, the Skip Ad button used to appear after 5 seconds while watching YouTube videos. People would skip the ad and continue watching the video. This feature is now being discontinued for TVs, which YouTube has dubbed the Cinematic Experience.
According to the report (REF.), data shows that watching YouTube on TV is becoming a habit. Videos on YouTube are watched for longer than on mobile phones and laptops. Perhaps this is why YouTube is looking to capitalize on this habit. This will help increase the company’s revenue.
According to the report, YouTube relies heavily on AI to determine when to show ads to YouTube users. This works in three ways: bumper ads, i.e., short 6-second ads. The second is standard ads, i.e., normal 15-second ads. The third, and most prominent, is a 30-second ad that will be shown only to TV users. AI will present ads to users when they are watching a video in a relaxed mood. The goal is to ensure that users watch the entire ad.
The report suggests that YouTube is not only increasing its revenue, but also cracking down on those who use ad-blockers, i.e., software that prevents ads from running on YouTube. The report states that the company wants people to either watch ads or purchase a premium subscription. The company is reportedly testing a YouTube “Premium Lite” plan for some countries. It is expected to cost around 70 to 80 rupees per month. While this plan won’t provide a completely ad-free experience, it will significantly reduce the number of ads.
YouTube’s advertising policy is facing opposition. Recently, Vietnam took a tough stance on this issue, limiting the length of advertisements that appear before the video starts to 5 seconds.