Twitch Ad Blocking: What I Think About uBlock Origin's Challenges

I recently came across a discussion about ad blockers on Twitch, specifically the challenges users are facing even with popular tools like uBlock Origin. It got me thinking about the complexities of ad blocking on streaming platforms and what mobile users can do to minimize interruptions.

Twitch, like many streaming services, is in a constant arms race with ad blockers. They need to generate revenue to support content creators and maintain the platform. This leads to increasingly sophisticated methods of serving ads, which in turn requires ad blockers to adapt continuously. Let's explore why some ad blockers struggle and what options are available, especially for mobile viewers.

Why Twitch Ad Blocking is Tricky

1. Server-Side Ad Insertion

Twitch has been moving towards server-side ad insertion (SSAI). This means ads are integrated directly into the video stream, making them indistinguishable from regular content. Traditional ad blockers, which rely on blocking ad requests from specific domains, are less effective against SSAI.

2. Constant Updates and Changes

Twitch regularly updates its ad delivery mechanisms. This means that even if an ad blocker is effective today, it might not be tomorrow. Ad blocker developers need to stay vigilant and quickly release updates to counter these changes.

3. Anti-Ad Blocking Measures

Twitch, like other platforms, actively detects and counters ad blockers. They might implement techniques to identify users who are blocking ads and serve them alternative ad formats or even block access to the stream altogether. This cat-and-mouse game is a key reason for the ongoing challenges.

Mobile Ad Blocking Strategies for Twitch

Given these challenges, what are the best strategies for blocking ads on Twitch mobile?

1. DNS-Based Ad Blocking

DNS-based ad blocking can be a good starting point. While it might not block all Twitch ads due to SSAI, it can eliminate many other types of ads and trackers, improving your overall browsing experience. Here's how it can help:

• System-Wide Protection: DNS blocking works across all apps and browsers on your device.
• Reduced Data Usage: By blocking ad requests, you can save data, which is especially useful on mobile.
• Improved Privacy: DNS blocking can prevent trackers from collecting your data.

Recommendation: Configure your mobile device to use a DNS service like NextDNS or AdGuard DNS. These services maintain blocklists that are regularly updated to block ad-serving domains.

2. Browser-Based Solutions

Using a browser with built-in ad blocking or extension support can be effective for blocking some Twitch ads. Here are a few options:

Brave Browser

Pros:

• Built-in ad blocker that works well on many websites.
• Chromium-based, so it's fast and compatible with most websites.
• Offers a private browsing mode with enhanced privacy features.

Cons:

• Might not block all Twitch ads due to SSAI.
• Can sometimes cause compatibility issues with certain websites.

My Take: Brave is a solid choice for mobile browsing with ad blocking. It's easy to use and generally effective, but don't expect it to be a silver bullet for Twitch ads.

Firefox with uBlock Origin

Pros:

• uBlock Origin is a highly customizable and effective ad blocker.
• Firefox supports extensions on mobile, allowing you to use uBlock Origin.
• Offers a wide range of privacy and security features.

Cons:

• uBlock Origin might not block all Twitch ads due to SSAI.
• Requires manual installation and configuration of the extension.
• Firefox can be resource-intensive on some devices.

My Take: Firefox with uBlock Origin is a powerful combination, but it requires more technical knowledge to set up and might not be the most user-friendly option for everyone.

3. VPN-Based Ad Blocking

VPN-based ad blocking routes all your device's traffic through a VPN server that filters out ads. While this can be effective, it also has some drawbacks:

Pros:

• Can block ads in all apps, including Twitch.
• Provides enhanced privacy by encrypting your traffic.
• Can bypass geographical restrictions.

Cons:

• Can significantly impact battery life.
• May slow down your internet speed.
• Requires trusting the VPN provider with your data.

My Take: VPN-based ad blocking can be effective, but it's not the most efficient solution for mobile. The battery drain and potential speed slowdowns can be significant drawbacks.

4. Local VPN Apps

Local VPN apps create a VPN connection on your device to filter traffic. This approach offers some advantages over traditional VPNs:

Pros:

• Doesn't route traffic through external servers, reducing latency.
• Can block ads in all apps, including Twitch.
• More battery-efficient than traditional VPNs.

Cons:

• Still consumes some battery life.
• Requires granting the app VPN permissions.
• Effectiveness can vary depending on the app and its blocklists.

Example: Blokada is a popular open-source local VPN ad blocker for Android. It's highly customizable and offers a wide range of features.

5. Third-Party Twitch Apps

Some third-party Twitch apps offer built-in ad blocking or alternative viewing experiences. These apps often circumvent Twitch's official ad delivery mechanisms.

Pros:

• Can effectively block ads on Twitch.
• May offer additional features like background playback or chat enhancements.

Cons:

• May violate Twitch's terms of service.
• Can be unreliable or discontinued at any time.
• May pose security risks if the app is not from a reputable source.

My Take: Using third-party Twitch apps is a risky approach. While they might offer ad blocking, they can also compromise your security and violate Twitch's terms of service. I would not recommend this approach.

My Recommendations by Use Case

"I just want to block as many ads as possible on Twitch mobile"

→ Brave Browser or Firefox with uBlock Origin: These browser-based solutions offer the best chance of blocking Twitch ads, although they might not be 100% effective.

"I want a system-wide solution that blocks ads and trackers"

→ NextDNS or AdGuard DNS: Configure your mobile device to use one of these DNS services. This will block ads and trackers in all apps and browsers.

"I'm concerned about privacy and battery life"

→ Brave Browser + NextDNS/AdGuard DNS: Use Brave Browser for Twitch and configure your device to use NextDNS or AdGuard DNS. This will provide a balance of ad blocking, privacy, and battery efficiency.

What About Paid Solutions?

Some ad blockers offer premium versions with additional features like custom blocklists, detailed analytics, and priority support. While these features can be useful, they're not essential for blocking ads on Twitch.

Free is fine if you:

• Just want to block ads and trackers.
• Don't need advanced features or customization.
• Are comfortable with basic setup and configuration.

Consider paying if you:

• Want more control over what's blocked.
• Need detailed analytics and reporting.
• Require priority support.
• Want to support the developers of your favorite ad blocker.

Setting Up Your Choice

For iOS:

DNS-Based Blocking:

1. Download the configuration profile from your chosen provider (NextDNS, AdGuard DNS).
2. Install it in Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
3. Done!

Browser-Based Blocking:

1. Download Brave Browser or Firefox from the App Store.
2. For Firefox, install the uBlock Origin extension.
3. Browse Twitch in the chosen browser.

For Android:

DNS-Based Blocking:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Private DNS.
2. Enter the hostname from your chosen provider.
3. Done!

Browser-Based Blocking:

1. Download Brave Browser or Firefox from the Play Store.
2. For Firefox, install the uBlock Origin extension.
3. Browse Twitch in the chosen browser.

Local VPN App (Blokada):

1. Download Blokada from the Blokada website (it's not available on the Play Store).
2. Install the app and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Enable Blokada to start blocking ads.

The Verdict

Blocking ads on Twitch mobile is an ongoing challenge, but it's not impossible. By combining different strategies, you can significantly reduce the number of ads you see.

Here's my final ranking:

1. Brave Browser / Firefox + uBlock Origin: Best for blocking ads directly on Twitch.
2. NextDNS / AdGuard DNS: Best for system-wide ad blocking and privacy.
3. Blokada (Android): A solid alternative for complete system adblocking on Android.

Ultimately, the best approach depends on your individual needs and preferences. Experiment with different solutions and see what works best for you.

It's important to remember that ad blocking is a constantly evolving field. What works today might not work tomorrow. Stay informed about the latest developments and be prepared to adapt your strategies as needed.

Ready to take control of your Twitch mobile experience? Check out the setup guides for detailed instructions.