What filter lists and configuration produce the best YouTube ad blocking with uBlock Origin?
Executive summary
A practical, resilient setup for blocking most YouTube ads with uBlock Origin combines the default core filter lists (EasyList, EasyPrivacy, uBlock’s own lists) with targeted community lists and a small set of custom rules, plus routine maintenance like purging caches and forcing updates; even then, YouTube’s frequent anti-ad techniques and browser platform changes can cause occasional failures [1] [2] [3]. For power users, pairing those lists with uBlock Origin’s dynamic-filtering to block third‑party scripts on youtube.com and a few proven custom host/rule blocks yields the best balance of reliability and site functionality [4] [5].
1. Which filter lists to enable for baseline protection
Start with uBlock Origin’s recommended defaults—EasyList and EasyPrivacy—then add the “uBlock filters” family and the “Annoyances” or similar cosmetic/annoyance lists; these cover the bulk of network-based and UI ad patterns that YouTube uses and are the baseline many guides recommend [1] [4]. For regional or language-specific ad sinks, enable country-specific lists from directories such as FilterLists if relevant; community‑maintained lists often include rules tailored to localized ad domains that the defaults miss [6].
2. Add community-curated and custom filters for YouTube-specific gaps
Community gists and curated sets frequently publish YouTube-specific static filters that block ad endpoints and player element patterns; examples include user-maintained custom filter lists that aim for a “pure YouTube” experience by targeting known ad hosts and video-ad request patterns [7]. Individual custom rules—such as explicit blocks for googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads—can be pasted into the “My filters” panel to remove persistent ad requests that slip through list updates [5].
3. Use dynamic filtering to reduce script-driven ads without breaking the site
Dynamic filtering (the per-site matrix) lets users block third‑party scripts on youtube.com or selectively block specific resource types; experienced users report blocking 3rd‑party scripts on YouTube reduces ad load while preserving core functionality, but it requires tuning to avoid breaking embeds or playlists [4]. Treat dynamic rules as conservative initially—test by switching cells to “block” for youtube.com then refresh to see side effects—because overblocking can degrade playback or UI features [4].
4. Keep filters fresh: purge caches and update often
A recurring theme across troubleshooting guides is that YouTube’s ad delivery evolves quickly, so purging uBlock Origin’s caches and forcing an update of filter lists is the single most effective maintenance step when ads appear unexpectedly; multiple sources show the Dashboard → Filter lists → “Purge all caches” then “Update now” flow fixes many regressions [8] [9] [10]. Automating updates helps, but manual purges are sometimes necessary when YouTube deploys new ad mechanisms that outpace list updates [8] [3].
5. Expect limits: YouTube and browser platform changes can outpace filters
YouTube actively tests anti‑adblock measures and changes ad-serving scripts, and browser platform shifts (notably Manifest V3 in Chromium-based browsers) add friction for content blockers; these are structural constraints that mean no filter set can guarantee 100% coverage indefinitely [3] [2]. When ads reappear, investigate whether the problem stems from stale lists, a new YouTube tactic, or browser-level changes before adding broad break-or‑hide rules that might impair functionality [3] [2].
6. Practical, minimal setup recipe
Enable EasyList + EasyPrivacy + uBlock’s native filter families + Annoyances; add a reputable YouTube-focused community list from FilterLists or a vetted gist; paste one or two precise custom host rules for persistent ad domains (e.g., googleads blocks) into “My filters”; use dynamic filtering to block third‑party scripts selectively on youtube.com; finally, purge caches and update lists after any change [1] [6] [7] [5] [8]. This blend gives the best trade-off between blocking rate and keeping YouTube usable, but continued vigilance is required because YouTube and browser vendors will keep changing the landscape [3] [2].