Note: In Version 6.28.0 we removed the option to allowlist Twitch channels. At this time we don't intend to bring this feature back but we'd love to have your input: Submit your feedback.
Yes, you can use AdBlock to block ads on Twitch and similar video streaming sites. There are some things to keep in mind as you use AdBlock on Twitch:
Blocking the Twitch ad means hiding it. Because of the way Twitch ads are inserted into the video stream, we can't use our typical methods for blocking them. Instead, we must hide and mute ads on Twitch. This means that during the course of an ad, the video player will show a blank and muted screen (see screenshot below). When the ad is over, the video player will return to normal.
You may still see an occasional ad. It is extremely difficult for any ad blocker to block ads on Twitch. Since Twitch ads are inserted directly into the video stream, ad blockers must “race” to block ads on Twitch streams before the site can download them. This means that while AdBlock does block Twitch ads, we may not be able to catch every single ad before you see it. If you see occasional unblocked ads on Twitch while using AdBlock, a simple page refresh should eliminate them.
Experiencing other issues on Twitch? Although we have tested the code we use to block ads on Twitch as thoroughly as possible, you may encounter an edge case that we couldn't anticipate. While we do expect the occasional Twitch ad to get through, you shouldn’t be bombarded with Twitch ads, and your Twitch player should work without any major issues. If you do experience issues with Twitch beyond simply seeing the occasional ad, please let us know by opening a ticket. Please include AdBlock's debugging information to help us troubleshoot.
Get it for Chrome: Alternate Player for Twitch.tv
Get it for Firefox and browsers derived from Firefox: Alternate Player for Twitch.tv
Get it for Microsoft Edge: Alternate Player for Twitch.tv
Twitch offers a subscription service called Twitch Turbo, which comes with ad-free Twitch viewing as well as a few other perks. The folks here at AdBlock can’t speak to whether or not the perks justify the monthly cost of Twitch Turbo, but it may be worth checking out.
In late 2016, Twitch.tv began circumventing ad blocking by inserting ads directly into the video stream. Blocking the ads was then impossible without also blocking the video.
For a while it was possible to watch Twitch video ad-free by connecting your Twitch account to an Amazon Prime account, creating a "Twitch Prime" account. However, in late August 2018, Twitch Prime users learned they will no longer be exempt from ads after their current subscription ends, according to this article in TechCrunch. In its blog post explaining the change, Twitch said:
"Twitch Prime members with monthly subscriptions will continue to get ad-free viewing until October 15. If you already have an annual subscription, or if you upgrade to an annual subscription before September 14, you will continue with ad-free viewing until your next renewal date."
So are there any options left to watch Twitch without ads? Again from the Twitch blog:
"An ad-free viewing experience is still possible! All Twitch viewers can get ad-free viewing across all channels by subscribing to Twitch Turbo (read about Turbo right here). Additionally, Twitch Prime subscribers can still get channel-specific ad-free viewing as part of Prime by using your monthly subscription token on a channel that has ad-free viewing for subscribers turned on."
Ultimately, the dedicated folks in the open-source ad-blocking community must continuously fight to stay ahead of Twitch and their video ads. It's not an easy task, but one we remain focused on!