Online video is booming. But before the content even starts, you’re hit with a pre-roll ad. Sometimes skippable. Sometimes not. Either way, it’s the virtual equivalent of a door you have to knock on before you’re let in.
Even if you’re watching a tutorial on YouTube, streaming anime on Crunchyroll, or catching a clip on Dailymotion, pre-roll ads are baked into the experience. They’re everywhere and for viewers, they can be a constant speed bump. Especially if you’re already dealing with too many ads as it is.
Sure, these ads serve a purpose. But if you’re more interested in the content than the commercials, there’s a way to cut them out. Poper Blocker is built exactly for that. It’s a browser extension (plus mobile app) that helps you block video ads, skip the wait, and get straight to what you came for.
What are pre-roll ads?
Ever clicked on a video, only to be greeted by an ad that rolls in before anything else starts? That’s a pre-roll ad. It’s short, direct, and often unavoidable.
Pre-roll video ads show up before the actual content. You’ll see them across YouTube, Crunchyroll, Dailymotion, pretty much any major platform that hosts video. These ads are timed to hit just before the viewer settles in, which is when attention is at its peak.
Now, what is a pre-roll exactly? It’s typically six to 30 seconds long. Some let you skip after five seconds, others don’t. If you’ve spent any time on YouTube, you’ve seen both versions: skippable if you’re lucky, non-skippable if you’re not.
Why are they there? Simple. Catch the viewer before they watch the content. This placement guarantees the ad gets seen, but it also tests patience. If the ad’s off-topic or badly timed, it can feel more like an interruption than anything useful.
Why advertisers love using pre-roll ads
Pre-roll ads aren’t going away anytime soon. Advertisers rely on them to anchor their video campaigns. Here’s why they keep showing up before your content:
1. They get seen
Pre-roll video ads show up before anything else, which means they’re impossible to miss. Even if you’re hovering over the skip button, the brand’s already in front of you. Just the ad, right when your attention is highest.
2. It’s about timing
Pre-roll advertising lets marketers hit viewers before they’ve settled into the video. That early moment (before the distractions kick in) is a prime window to deliver a clear, targeted message.
And with tools that segment users by behavior, search patterns, or location, it’s precise timing.
3. Brand recall
Even when people skip, the brand’s name, color, or product image usually makes an appearance within the first seconds. That flash of familiarity builds awareness over time, especially across repeat views.
Why pre-roll ads are frustrating for viewers
Sure, pre-roll ads are great for advertisers. But for viewers? Not so much. Here’s why they often get under people’s skin:
Forced delay
You click on a video, expecting instant playback. Instead, you get hit with an ad. That short pause feels longer than it should, especially when you’re watching back-to-back clips.
Same ad on loop
Ever get served the exact same ad five times in a row? Even worse when it has nothing to do with what you’re watching. Relevance matters, and repetition doesn’t help.
No skip button
Some platforms make you sit through the whole thing. No skipping or fast-forwarding. Just 15, 30, or even 60 seconds of forced viewing. That’s a long wait when all you wanted was to watch a video about… anything else.
And here’s the kicker: when given the option, 65% to 90% of viewers will skip pre-roll ads entirely. No surprise there.
Wasted time on short videos
Ever clicked on a 20-second clip only to get hit with a 15-second ad first? Feels like a bad trade. The ratio’s way off. You’re watching almost as much ad as actual content. It turns a quick scroll into a minor time sink. Not exactly what anyone signed up for.
Blocking pre-roll ads with Poper Blocker
Sick of pre-roll ads taking over your video time? Poper Blocker makes them disappear, whether you’re watching on desktop or mobile.
Extension
The Poper Blocker extension (Available on Chrome and Edge) has a YouTube ad blocker feature that can also stop other pre-roll junk on sites like Crunchyroll, Dailymotion, and a bunch more. It’s lightweight, quick to install, and does exactly what you need it to.
Here’s what it delivers:
- Hide ads on YouTube videos – Strips out ads that pop up before, during, or after your YouTube binge.
- Video streaming ad blocker – Goes beyond YouTube and tackles video ads across other major streaming sites.
The two features work together to clear the clutter and get you straight to the content.
App
Want the same control on Android? No problem. Install the Poper Blocker app and you’re good to go.
Here’s how it works:
- Find a YouTube video
- Tap the Share button
- Choose Poper Blocker
Boom! Your video opens in the Ad-Free YouTube Player. Ads gone.
You can even lock your screen or switch apps and still hear the audio. It’s perfect if you use YouTube for music, podcasts, or background noise.
Doesn’t matter if you’re using the extension or the app, Poper Blocker keeps things smooth with fewer interruptions.
Skip the wait on pre-rolls
Pre-roll ads are everywhere. Click a video and boom, an ad rolls in before you even see the thumbnail load. Sure, advertisers love them. But for viewers? They’re mostly just in the way.
Especially when it’s a two-minute ad blocking a 15-second clip. Or the same brand pitch you’ve already skipped five times today. They just don’t add value and just slow you down.
Here’s the good news: you don’t need a subscription or a tech degree to stop them. Poper Blocker’s browser extension and mobile app come built to block pre-roll ads, especially on YouTube. So if video interruptions are getting old, this one’s worth a shot.
FAQs
Can Poper Blocker stop YouTube ads on Chrome?
Yep. Add the Chrome extension, turn on “Hide ads on YouTube videos” in settings, and it’ll knock out most pre-roll and mid-roll ads for a cleaner playback.
Will Poper Blocker work on other video sites like Crunchyroll or Dailymotion?
It does. The extension blocks ads on a range of platforms: Crunchyroll, Dailymotion, and plenty of other streaming sites are covered.
Is the Android app effective for blocking video ads?
It is. The app comes with an ad-free YouTube player. Just share the video to Poper Blocker and it plays without most of the junk.
Can I still use my phone while listening to YouTube through Poper Blocker?
Yes. You can play videos in the background or with the screen off. This is perfect for music or podcast playback.
