Fri Sep 20 12:13:06 UTC 2024: ## YouTube Now Shows Ads on Paused Videos, Sparking User Outrage

**San Francisco, CA -** In a move that has sparked outrage among users, YouTube has officially rolled out ads that appear on the pause screen of videos. The company confirmed the change, stating that it has received both strong advertiser and viewer response to the new ad format, now widely available to all advertisers.

While YouTube claims the ads are designed to be less disruptive, users are expressing their discontent on social media and online forums, deeming the change as an unwelcome and aggressive intrusion. Many are comparing the new ad format to the company’s recent push against ad blockers, highlighting their concern that the platform is becoming increasingly reliant on aggressive advertising tactics.

The change follows YouTube’s trial of picture-in-picture (PIP) mid-roll ads last August. The PIP ads shrink the video to a small window while displaying advertisements, allowing users to continue watching while also being exposed to ads. While the new pause screen ads are not PIP, they resemble this concept, shrinking the paused video to the left of the screen while displaying an advertisement on the right.

The company’s justification for the new format revolves around its financial goals, with Google’s Philipp Schindler, during Alphabet’s Q1 2024 earnings call, stating that “advertisers unsurprisingly love them!” and that “the idea of ads on paused videos is commanding premium pricing from advertisers.”

However, users are feeling the opposite of love, with many taking to social media to voice their frustration and dismay. The move further underscores the growing tension between content platforms and their users, as platforms continue to find new ways to monetize their services, even at the cost of user experience.

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