AutoSkip for YouTube (Browser Extension)

Description

AutoSkip for YouTube is a browser extension designed to enhance YouTube viewing experience by automatically skipping ads. I initially intended to use a script that clicked the "Skip ad" button when it appeared. It turns out that it's available in the HTML code from the start so it is possible to skip without waiting. When it detects an ad but fails to find the skip button, this happens with the unskippable ads, it will mute and speed it up so it is almost unnoticeable. I guess this also counts as watching the full ad.

Supported browsers

1. Chromium

All Chromium browsers (i.e. Chrome, Edge, Brave, Opera) will work the same way, see the installation below.

2. Safari

You have to build it from scratch or download the universal binary from here.

If you want to build it, you must have Xcode installed and sign it with your developer certificate or allow unsigned extensions every time you close it. Run the following command:

xcrun safari-web-extension-converter /path/to/YouTube-AutoSkip/src --macos-only --app-name "YouTube AutoSkip"

If everything is correct you should see:

Xcode Project Location: /Users/<username>
App Name: YouTube AutoSkip
App Bundle Identifier: com.yourCompany.YouTube-AutoSkip
Platform: macOS
Language: Swift

After that, Xcode should open automatically. Build the app and copy it to Applications folder. Open Safari, allow unsigned extensions (if not signed), and enable the extension from settings.

Installation

1. Clone the repository or download the ZIP file.
2. Extract the files (if you downloaded a ZIP).
3. Open Google Chrome and navigate to chrome://extensions/.
4. Enable 'Developer Mode'.
5. Click on 'Load Unpacked' and select the SkipTube Extension/resources folder.
6. Enjoy ad-free YouTube viewing!

How it Works

The extension uses a content script with a MutationObserver to dynamically observe elements such as the "Skip ad" button, as well as various ad formats like banners. When it detects the "Skip ad" button it automatically triggers it. When the button is not available, with unskippable ads, it will verify that ytp-ad-player-overlay exists, mute the audio and set the playback rate to 16x.

Troubleshooting

1. Make sure the extension icon lights up blue when visiting YouTube. If not go in Safari settings -> Websites -> SkipTube and select allow in the dropdown next to youtube.com

Limitations

• Unskippable Ads: The extension cannot skip ads that do not have the "Skip Ad" option.
• YouTube Updates: Changes in YouTube's front-end design or ad mechanisms may affect the extension's functionality.

Disclaimer

This project is created for educational purposes and personal use. The author has no responsibility for any disruptions or violations of YouTube's terms of service. Users should employ this extension at their own risk and discretion.

License

This project is open-source and available under the MIT License.