On Twitch, some users seem to have problems with too many ad interruptions appearing in the middle of streams. Streamer Asmongold says: One of his viewers saw 20 ad clips in 3 hours. Twitch explains what the issue is. It appears to be a problem caused by the use of ad-blocking services.
This is the situation:
- Ads on Twitch run automatically in pre-roll before watching a stream: The streamer himself can run “mid-roll” ads during a stream. However, only a few streamers do this, as advertising on Twitch is hardly profitable.
- In September, Twitch tested a program in which automatically ran ads in the middle of the stream. Many users were upset about this until Twitch ended this “experiment”.
- However, the problem is back. Some users are increasingly seeing ads. It appears to be due to the use of ad-blocking services.
Viewers complain about ad spam on Twitch
This has been noticeable in recent days: Apparently, there was a change at Twitch in the last few days that has led to more ads being shown in the middle of streams, which do not originate from the streamer.
This change must have occurred around the end of October 2020.
The well-known WoW streamer Asmongold says that some of his viewers have been bombarded with ad clips. They have seen 20 ad placements in 3 hours.
Other users on Twitter complain that they are now seeing increased ad placements. The ad clips cannot be bypassed any longer using an ad blocker.
A user states: Twitch is specifically targeting users of ad-blocking services and sending them an ad clip every 10 minutes. One has to disable the ad blocker to avoid this ad bombardment.
This aligns with Asmongold’s statement.
“Unexpected ad experiences” are due to external tools
This is what Twitch says: In response to Asmongold’s inquiry, Twitch says: They believe the “unexpected ad experiences” could be a result of using browser extensions or “third-party tools”.
Twitch recommends disabling these.
Twitch seems to have implemented a measure that clearly targets ad blockers. However, they do not openly admit this. They “believe” it only – “it could be so”.
However, the “unintentional ad experiences” that cause viewers to disable their ad blockers are unlikely to be unwelcome by Twitch.
The peak of outrage over advertising on Twitch was reached in mid-September: Many streamers broadcast the big event for the PS5 reveal on Twitch. However, advertising was active at that time, which ruined the experience when ads were inserted in the middle of the presentation of a new game:
1.8 million watch PS5 event on Twitch – But new forced advertising is really annoying
