Apple Mac: online video playback problems

coffeehound

Has anyone else been experiencing this?  I'm frequently getting YouTube videos which won't play, just black rectangle of doom.  Similarly trouble with Udemy lectures, though this resolves after a few page reloads.  Can't remember whether this is just since updating to 10.15  Somewhat frustrating after being repeatedly reassured by one Mr S. Jobs (deceased) that "It Just Works".  Any advice gratefully received.

Jon_01

Different browser maybe?  What are you using now? 

coffeehound

Thanks, I hadn't considered that.  I've just used Safari up to now.  Will download another one to try tonight..

almillar

The Apple Mac was launched in 1984. That one certainly doesn't run 10.15 but perhaps you could be more specific?! As a general rule I would always throw another web browser at a problem like this, and also consider disabling an ad-blocker - nothing at all Mac specific about that advice.

coffeehound

Thanks @almillar, think you may have solved it with the ad-block suggestion.  With it disabled on YT, everything has played so far...

forgotmyname

Youtube changed its advert system recently, my adblocker had to update to block them again.  But they are also sticking adverts in the
middle of 8 minute+ videos where previously they needed to be 10 minutes. I watch quite a few channels where they deliberately make
the videos 9:59.

Few have said all clips will now be less than 8 minutes. How long before Youtube drop it to 5 minutes?  Trying to compete
with the adverts on TV?  Show starts and you get the recap/intro then the title screens and about 2 minutes of the show
and its advert time.

How many adverts can Youtube get into your sub 5 minute video?

coffeehound

^  Ah that explains why it started happening.  Google are killing YT.  One regular I follow on there said he got $1 in payment from them on one of his videos, plus they will de-monetise any video for the slightest reason.  It seems many video makers are transitioning over to Patreon.