I. Introduction
Brief explanation of NordVPN and its features
NordVPN is a popular virtual private network (VPN) service provider known for its advanced security, privacy, and speed features. It offers military-grade encryption to secure user connections along with features like CyberSec, Threat Protection, and obfuscated servers to help bypass restrictions and prevent ads and malware.
NordVPN has over 5,500 servers in 60 countries worldwide and is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android platforms. It supports OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, WireGuard and NordLynx connection protocols.
Some key features offered by NordVPN include:
- Encrypted tunneling of data to hide online activity
- Strict no-logs policy to prevent tracking of user information
- Onion over VPN for anonymous network routing
- Threat Protection to block dangerous websites and ads
- CyberSec feature to filter out ads and malicious sites
- Obfuscated servers to bypass firewalls and network restrictions
- Dedicated IP option for unique IP address
- Compatibility with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu for bypassing geo-restrictions
Overview of the article
This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to set up NordVPN along with its Threat Protection feature to block ads on platforms like Windows and Android devices. It will specifically discuss NordVPN’s ability to block YouTube ads.
Other alternative methods to stop YouTube ads will also be covered, including using ad blocking browser extensions, YouTube Premium account, and modified YouTube apps. The article will help readers understand how VPN-based ad blocking works for video platforms and let them choose the best solution for blocking ads.
II. How to block ads using NordVPN
Step-by-step guide on how to block ads on all platforms using NordVPN
The simplest way to block ads across all devices – Windows, macOS, Android, Linux and iOS is by enabling NordVPN’s CyberSec or Threat Protection feature. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Windows
- Install the NordVPN app for Windows
- Login using NordVPN account credentials
- Click on Settings (gear icon) in the app
- Go to General and enable ‘CyberSec’ or ‘Threat Protection’
- Connect to any NordVPN server location
- CybserSec will now filter ads across websites/apps
Android and iOS
- Install the NordVPN app on your device
- Tap the ‘settings’ option in the side menu
- Go to General Settings and enable ‘CyberSec’ or ‘Threat Protection’
- Connect to a VPN server location of choice
- The app will now block ads across mobile apps & sites
Linux
- Setup NordVPN desktop application on Linux
- Go to Settings > General and turn on CyberSec/Threat Protection
- Reconnect or re-launch NordVPN app to engage antivirus filtration
macOS
- Get the NordVPN macOS app
- Click on ‘Settings’ option in the app
- Under General tab, switch on CyberSec or enable Threat Protection
- Now ads and dangerous sites will be blocked over VPN
Chrome/Firefox Browser Extension
- Install NordVPN browser extension
- Turn on CyberSec feature in extension settings
- Chrome/Firefox traffic will now filter ads and trackers
Explanation of NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature and how it blocks ads
NordVPN’s Threat Protection works by acting as an always-on antivirus and anti-malware scanner for all device traffic routed through the VPN. It inspects network requests made by apps/system and compares it to an aggregated blocklist of malicious sites. If any program tries to connect to known advertising, tracking or malware domains – Threat Protection will instantly block that request.
This allows it to block ads not just on websites but also in mobile apps, video streaming platforms and across an entire device. The continuously updated domain blocklist curates ad servers, analytics trackers, malicious domains, phishing sites, and more. By handling network requests directly NordVPN can block ads without needing any other antivirus software.
Threat Protection needs to be manually enabled under Settings options in NordVPN apps and will remain active as long as user is connected via NordVPN. This allows all platforms – Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and Linux to seamlessly filter ads and threats.
III. Can NordVPN block YouTube ads?
Discussion of NordVPN’s ability to block YouTube ads
Since NordVPN Threat Protection functions at the network layer, blocking actual domain requests to advertising and tracking servers, it can effectively block YouTube video ads which function similarly. When connected to NordVPN, all YouTube activity like video requests and page loads happen through its servers only.
By enabling Threat Protection, NordVPN checks all incoming and outgoing data of YouTube activity including:
- Page headers/content served by youtube.com
- Actual video stream requests
- Metadata requests for ads targeting
- In-stream video ads content
- Display ads shown on sidebar or banners
- Click tracking requests from embedded ads
Almost all types of YouTube ads ranging from in-stream pre-roll ads, display banners, overlay ads, mid-roll ads, etc. can be filtered by NordVPN. However, a few caveats exist:
- Sponsor sections added by video creator directly as part of video cannot be removed
- Privacy policy or copyright notices are unaffected
- YouTube app mobile notifications may still show promotions
But overall, NordVPN’s Threat Protection does an excellent job of providing an ad-free YouTube experience across desktop and mobile devices.
Explanation of how to activate NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature to block YouTube ads
Activating Threat Protection to block YouTube ads takes just a few simple steps:
Windows and macOS
- Launch the NordVPN desktop app
- Click on ‘Settings’ and go to General tab
- Enable the switch for ‘Threat Protection’
- Connect to a VPN server location of choice
- Now visit YouTube website/app to enjoy ad-free videos
iOS and Android
- Open your NordVPN mobile app
- Tap on More option to access Settings
- Under General section, turn on the toggle for ‘Threat Protection’
- Reconnect to VPN server to filter ads across device
It’s recommended to select NordVPN servers closest to your region for fastest video streaming on YouTube. Using fixed residential IPs or Dedicated IPs may also improve streaming speed along with blocking of YouTube ads.
IV. Other methods to block YouTube ads
Discussion of other methods to block YouTube ads, including ad blocker browser extensions, ad-free browsers, YouTube Premium subscription, downloading YouTube videos, and using a modified YouTube app on mobile
In addition to the NordVPN method, users can also leverage these popular techniques to remove YouTube video advertisements:
Adblock Browser Extensions
Extensions like uBlock Origin and AdBlock Plus can help block some YouTube ads when browsing the site using Chrome or Firefox browsers on desktops. These extensions maintain filter lists of ad domains to hide those page elements.
YouTube Premium Subscription
Getting a paid YouTube Premium account unlocks an ad-free YouTube experience without display or video advertisements across mobile, TV and desktop apps. Additional features like downloads and background play are also enabled.
Ad-free Browsers
Specialized browsers like Brave have native ad-blocking built into them to provide cleaner and less cluttered web experience for sites like YouTube.
Download YouTube Videos
By downloading YouTube videos to your device storage using online converters or apps, you can avoid streaming the ad segments which are shown when played inside the app.
Modified YouTube Apps
Certain third-party apps like YouTube Vanced allow better customization including the removal video ads on Android mobiles. By overriding the official YouTube app these provide a premium-like experience.
V. Conclusion
Summary of the article
This article covered how NordVPN and its unique Threat Protection capability can block ads not just on websites but also within mobile apps and video platforms like YouTube. A step-by-step setup guide was provided for activating Threat Protection across Windows, iOS and Android platforms to filter YouTube video/display banners.
It compared NordVPN’s network-level ad blocking to other methods like browser extensions, paid subscriptions, and third-party apps. While extensions work only for desktop browsers, approaches like YouTube Premium provide system-wide ad removal similar to NordVPN.
There are some minor limitations in filtering certain promotional content added directly by creators. But overall, NordVPN Threat Protection delivers reliable blocking of YouTube ads including pre/mid/post video ads, overlay banners, without needing any other antivirus or tool.
Recommendation of NordVPN as a reliable ad blocker and VPN service
For a set-and-forget blocking of online ads across all devices, NordVPN’s Threat Protection is recommended over manual methods like extensions. Being independent of specific OS/browsers it works reliably across Windows, macOS, Android and iOS devices once enabled in the VPN app.
Backed by their strict zero-logging policy, users can enjoy safe and private access to YouTube minus the annoying ads. NordVPN also unblocks geo-restricted content, so users can access more video libraries from across regions. Their fast VPN network allows high-quality HD/4K video streaming. For these reasons NordVPN is a comprehensive and effective solution for not just enhancing privacy but also removing ads on YouTube and other platforms.