The fastest way to block Twitch ads
You can block most Twitch ads by installing an ad blocker extension in your browser — uBlock Origin and Adblock Plus both work on Twitch. Install the extension from your browser's store, reload Twitch, and ads will stop appearing in most cases. Some ad blockers stop working when Twitch updates its ad system, so you may need to switch extensions or wait for an update.
If you use an ad blocker and ads still play, Twitch may have detected it. Twitch sometimes shows ads to users running ad blockers, or it may require you to disable the extension to watch. You can also pay for Twitch Premium ($9.99 per month or $99.99 per year) to remove ads entirely, though this does not remove ads from channels you follow — only ads Twitch itself runs.
Key Takeaways
- uBlock Origin and Adblock Plus are the most reliable ad blockers for Twitch, though Twitch periodically updates its system to work around them.
- Ad blockers stop pre-roll ads (before the stream starts) and mid-roll ads (during the stream), but some may not catch every ad format.
- Twitch Premium removes Twitch-run ads but does not remove ads that individual streamers choose to run on their channel.
- If an ad blocker stops working, you may need to update it, switch to a different extension, or wait for the extension developer to release a fix.
- Some streamers ask viewers to disable ad blockers to support them; you can whitelist a channel in most ad blockers to allow ads on that stream only.
How ad blockers work on Twitch
Ad blockers work by identifying the code and servers that deliver ads, then blocking your browser from loading them. When you install an extension like uBlock Origin, it runs in the background and stops ad content before it reaches your screen. On Twitch, this means pre-roll ads (the ads that play before a stream starts) and mid-roll ads (ads during the stream) never load.
Twitch regularly changes how it delivers ads to make them harder to block. When Twitch updates its ad system, ad blockers may stop working until the extension developer releases an update. This cycle repeats every few months. If your ad blocker suddenly stops working, check the extension's settings or website to see if an update is available, or try a different ad blocker.
Which ad blockers work best on Twitch
uBlock Origin is the most widely used ad blocker for Twitch and usually the first to be updated when Twitch changes its system. It is free, open-source, and available for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Install it from your browser's extension store, and it blocks ads on Twitch by default without any setup.
Adblock Plus also blocks Twitch ads and works on the same browsers. It has a free version and a paid version; the free version is sufficient for blocking Twitch ads. Some users report that Adblock Plus is slower to update when Twitch changes its ad system, so uBlock Origin may work better if Adblock Plus stops blocking ads.
Other ad blockers like Brave Browser (which has built-in ad blocking) and extensions like Ghostery also block some Twitch ads, but they are less commonly used and may not catch every ad format. If you switch ad blockers and ads still play, try uBlock Origin first — it has the largest community of users reporting which ads it does and does not catch.
Whitelisting a channel to support a streamer
If you want to support a streamer by letting ads play on their channel, you can whitelist them in your ad blocker. In uBlock Origin, click the extension icon while watching the stream, then click the power button to disable blocking on that domain. In Adblock Plus, click the extension icon and select "Disable on this site." Ads will play on that channel, but your ad blocker will still work everywhere else.
Whitelisting a channel does not prevent the streamer from running their own ads — it only allows Twitch-run ads to play. Many streamers ask viewers to disable ad blockers or whitelist their channel because they earn a small amount per ad viewed. If you whitelist a channel, you will see ads every time you watch that stream until you remove the whitelist.
Twitch Premium as an alternative to ad blockers
Twitch Premium (formerly Twitch Turbo) costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year and removes ads that Twitch itself runs. This means pre-roll and mid-roll ads from Twitch will not appear. However, Twitch Premium does not remove ads that individual streamers choose to run on their channel — only Twitch-run ads.
Twitch Premium also gives you a custom chat badge, an ad-free experience on the Twitch website, and the ability to use more emotes in chat. If you watch Twitch regularly and want a may provide ad-free experience without relying on ad blockers, Twitch Premium is the official option. If you only watch a few channels, whitelisting those channels in an ad blocker may be cheaper.
What to do when ad blockers stop working
When Twitch updates its ad system and your ad blocker stops working, start by updating the extension. Open your browser's extension store, find your ad blocker, and check for updates. Most ad blockers update automatically, but you can force an update by refreshing the page. If updating does not work, try disabling and re-enabling the extension, or restart your browser.
If the extension still does not work after an update, check the extension's website or community forums to see if other users are reporting the same problem. If many users report the issue, the extension developer is likely working on a fix and will release an update within days or weeks. In the meantime, you can try a different ad blocker like Adblock Plus or uBlock Origin (if you were using the other one).
If you are using an older browser or an outdated version of an extension, Twitch may have blocked it intentionally. Update your browser to the latest version, and make sure your ad blocker is also up to date. Some very old extensions are no longer maintained and will never work again — if that is the case, uninstall it and switch to uBlock Origin or Adblock Plus.
Why Twitch blocks ad blockers
Twitch blocks ad blockers because ads are how the platform pays streamers and keeps the service running. Streamers earn money from ads, and Twitch earns revenue from advertisers. When viewers use ad blockers, streamers and Twitch lose that income. Twitch periodically updates its ad system to detect and work around ad blockers, which is why ad blockers stop working and need updates.
This is a technical arms race: ad blockers find new ways to block ads, Twitch finds new ways to deliver them, and the cycle repeats. There is no permanent solution — ad blockers will always need updates, and Twitch will always try to make them less effective. If you want to watch Twitch without ads and without this cycle, Twitch Premium is the only may provide option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will using an ad blocker get my account banned?
No. Twitch does not ban accounts for using ad blockers. Twitch may show ads to users running ad blockers, or require you to disable the extension to watch, but it will not suspend or ban your account. Using an ad blocker is not against Twitch's terms of service.
Do ad blockers work on mobile Twitch?
Ad blockers work differently on mobile. On iPhone, Safari allows some ad blockers, but they are less effective than on desktop. On Android, Firefox allows ad blockers, but the official Twitch app does not. If you want to block ads on mobile, use Firefox on Android with uBlock Origin, or use Safari on iPhone with an ad blocker designed for iOS.
Can I block ads without an extension?
Not reliably. Some people use DNS-level ad blockers like Pi-hole, but these are complex to set up and do not work as well as browser extensions. The easiest way to block ads without an extension is to pay for Twitch Premium. Otherwise, a browser extension like uBlock Origin is the simplest option.
Why do some streamers ask me to disable my ad blocker?
Streamers earn money from ads, usually a few cents per ad viewed. When you use an ad blocker, the streamer loses that income. Some streamers ask viewers to disable ad blockers or whitelist their channel so they can earn money. You can choose to support them by whitelisting, or you can keep your ad blocker on — it is your choice.
What if I see ads even with an ad blocker on?
Twitch may have detected your ad blocker and is showing ads anyway, or your ad blocker may need an update. Try updating the extension, disabling and re-enabling it, or restarting your browser. If that does not work, try a different ad blocker. If ads still appear, Twitch may be blocking that extension, and you may need to wait for the extension developer to release a fix.