YouTube users are reporting new restrictions on the web version of the platform when ad-blocking tools are enabled, including the disappearance of comments and video descriptions.
Several users reported seeing a notice instead of the comments section, stating that comments had been disabled.
They said the same issue affected video descriptions. Posts describing the problem have appeared on Reddit and other online forums in recent days.
Technology publication Android Authority reported that the issue can also occur in browsers with built-in ad-blocking features, such as Brave.
Users reported that comments and descriptions became visible again after disabling their ad blockers, suggesting the restrictions may be related to the use of such software.
In a small number of cases, YouTube Premium subscribers reported experiencing the same issue when ad-blocking tools were active.
Google, which owns YouTube, has not issued a public statement on the reported changes.
The reports follow YouTube’s earlier steps to limit the use of ad-blocking tools. Over the past year, some users have encountered warning messages, video playback limits, or browser compatibility notices when blocking advertisements.
The reported restrictions do not appear to affect all users.
In a separate development, Apple announced on Monday that it will introduce integrated video podcast features to Apple Podcasts this spring.
The company said listeners will be able to switch between audio and video within the same podcast feed. The update will also allow picture-in-picture viewing and offline downloads of video episodes.
According to Edison Research, 37% of people aged 12 and older watch video podcasts each month.
Apple’s update places its podcast service in closer competition with platforms such as Spotify and YouTube, which have expanded their video podcast offerings in recent years.
