What Tampermonkey does and why it blocks ads

Tampermonkey is a browser extension that runs small scripts — pieces of code written by other users — on websites you visit. On Twitch, people have written scripts that detect and remove ads before they play. Tampermonkey itself does not block ads; it runs these user-written scripts that do the blocking work.

The scripts work by intercepting Twitch's ad requests and stopping them from loading, or by skipping ads that do load. Because Twitch changes how it serves ads regularly, some scripts stop working after a few weeks or months. You may need to switch scripts or update them as Twitch adapts.

This method is different from Twitch's own ad-free tier (which costs money) or from using a traditional ad blocker. Tampermonkey scripts are more targeted — they focus on Twitch specifically — and they often work when standard ad blockers do not.

Key Takeaways

  • Tampermonkey is a browser extension that runs user-written scripts; you install Tampermonkey first, then add scripts that block Twitch ads.
  • Popular ad-blocking scripts for Twitch include "Twitch AdBlock" and "Twitch 5m CVE" — search for them by name in Tampermonkey's script library or on GreasyFork.
  • Scripts stop working when Twitch changes its ad system, so you may need to disable and re-enable a script or switch to a newer one every few months.
  • Tampermonkey works on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge; the installation process is slightly different for each browser.

Install Tampermonkey on your browser

Go to your browser's extension store and search for "Tampermonkey". On Chrome, that is the Chrome Web Store. On Firefox, it is Firefox Add-ons. On Safari, you read it from the Mac App Store. On Edge, use the Edge Add-ons store. Click the button to add it to your browser — the exact wording varies by browser, but it is usually "Add to Chrome" or "Add extension".

After installation, you will see a small Tampermonkey icon in your browser's toolbar (usually in the top right corner). Click it to open Tampermonkey's menu. You do not need to change any settings yet.

Find and install a Twitch ad-blocking script

The easiest place to find scripts is GreasyFork, a website where people share Tampermonkey scripts. Go to greasyfolk.org, search for "Twitch ad", and look for scripts with recent updates and high ratings. Two commonly used scripts are "Twitch AdBlock" and "Twitch 5m CVE" — both appear near the top of search results.

Click on a script's name to open its page. Read the description to confirm it blocks ads (not something else like chat spam or video quality). Click the green "Install this script" button. Tampermonkey will open and show you the script's code. Click "Install" in the top left corner of that window. The script is now active.

If a script stops working after a few weeks, return to GreasyFork and look for a newer version or a different script. Twitch updates its ad system frequently, and scripts become outdated.

Test whether the script is working

Open Twitch and start watching a stream. If the script is working, you should not see an ad play before the stream starts, and you should not see mid-roll ads (ads that play during the stream). If you still see ads, the script may be outdated or incompatible with your browser version.

Try disabling the script and re-enabling it: click the Tampermonkey icon in your toolbar, find the script's name in the list, and toggle it off and on. Refresh the Twitch page and try watching again. If ads still appear, uninstall that script and try a different one from GreasyFork.

Manage multiple scripts and troubleshoot conflicts

If you install more than one Twitch ad-blocking script, they may conflict with each other and cause streams to load slowly or not at all. Start with one script. If it works, do not add another. If it stops working, replace it rather than adding a second one.

If a stream will not load or keeps buffering after you install a script, disable the script temporarily to confirm it is the cause. Click the Tampermonkey icon, find the script, and toggle it off. Refresh the page. If the stream loads normally, the script is causing the problem — try a different script or wait for an update to the one you were using.

You can see all your installed scripts by clicking the Tampermonkey icon and selecting "Dashboard". From there, you can turn scripts on and off, delete them, or edit them if you know how to read code.

Understand why scripts stop working and what to do

Twitch regularly changes the way it delivers ads to make them harder to block. When this happens, scripts that worked last month may stop working this month. This is not a permanent failure — it usually means the script's author needs to update the code to match Twitch's new system.

Check GreasyFork regularly for updated versions of your script. If the script you are using has not been updated in more than two months, search for a newer alternative. Most active scripts are updated within a few weeks of Twitch making changes.

Know the limitations and alternatives

Tampermonkey scripts block ads, but they do not change Twitch's terms of service. Twitch technically prohibits ad-blocking tools, though enforcement is inconsistent. Using a script carries a small risk that your account could be flagged, though this is rare for casual viewers.

If you want to avoid ads without using scripts, Twitch offers a paid subscription tier that removes ads. Some streamers also offer ad-free viewing to their subscribers. These are the officially supported methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will using Tampermonkey scripts get my Twitch account banned?

Bans for ad-blocking are rare, but Twitch's terms of service do prohibit it. The risk is small for casual viewers, but it exists. If you are concerned, the safest option is to subscribe to Twitch or to individual streamers for ad-free viewing.

Why does the script work one day and not the next?

Twitch changes its ad system frequently, and scripts become outdated within days or weeks. Check GreasyFork for an updated version of your script, or try a different script that has been updated more recently.

Can I use Tampermonkey scripts on mobile Twitch?

Tampermonkey works on mobile browsers (Firefox on Android, for example), but many scripts are designed for desktop only. Test the script on mobile to see if it works. If not, you may need to use a different script or a mobile app instead.

What if I install a script and Twitch stops loading entirely?

Disable the script when ready by clicking the Tampermonkey icon and toggling it off. Refresh the page. If Twitch loads normally, the script is incompatible with your setup. Try a different script or wait for an update to the one you were using.

Do I need to update Tampermonkey itself?

Tampermonkey updates automatically through your browser's extension system. You do not need to do anything. The scripts you install may need updates, but Tampermonkey itself handles its own updates.