Other Ad-Blocking Methods

This section covers alternative methods for dealing with Twitch ads, including simple userscripts and network-level solutions like VPNs and proxies.

General Userscripts

These are simple scripts that provide basic functionality, unlike the more complex stream-swapping scripts maintained in this repository.

  • Mute Ads and Optionally Hide Them

    • Link: greasyfork.org/en/scripts/371186
    • Description: This script mutes the player volume when an ad is detected and can be configured to hide the video player as well. You can tweak settings at the top of the script file.

  • Refresh on Advert

    • Link: greasyfork.org/en/scripts/415412
    • Description: Reloads the player (or the entire page) when it detects the ad banner in the page's DOM. This can be disruptive but may circumvent some ads.

VPNs and Proxies

Some countries do not receive advertisements on Twitch. By using a VPN or a proxy server located in one of these countries, you can effectively block ads.

This method involves routing the initial stream manifest request (.m3u8 file) through the proxy. Once the ad-free playlist is received, the rest of the stream traffic can often be routed directly, avoiding the potential performance hit of sending all video data through the proxy.

For more information on this concept, see this Reddit discussion: I did a little test regarding ads on Twitch...

Proxy Issues

Proxy-based solutions (like TTV LOL PRO) are powerful but can have some drawbacks:

  • Downtime: Proxy servers can experience downtime. When this happens, you will either see ads as normal or encounter Twitch's Player Error #2000. This is an issue with the proxy service, not a retaliation from Twitch.
  • Buffering: You may experience buffering, especially at higher resolutions. This occurs because your video traffic is being routed from a Twitch server closest to the proxy's location, not your own. For example, if you are in the US and use a European proxy, the video segments will be served from Twitch's European servers, which can introduce latency.

Solutions for Buffering:

  1. Ask the proxy maintainer to add a server in a region closer to you.
  2. Use a lower stream resolution.
  3. Switch to a different ad-blocking solution.
  4. A personal VPN located in an ad-free country might be a better and more stable solution for your specific location.