Safari Browser to Block Videos from Automatically Playing
As a part of their newest browser version that includes security enhancements, Tracking Prevention and additional features, Safari is now blocking videos that automatically play on websites. Aside from being annoying, videos that autoplay when you visit a website drain bandwidth and data.
This new Safari feature keeps all videos on pause until you choose to play them, allowing the user to have control over their experience. Because video ads are a huge source of revenue, many publishers are up in arms about this change — when videos play automatically, even those not watching are included in audience numbers, providing these publishers with skewed numbers to use to sell more ads on their site. No matter your stance, it is clear Safari is targeting two things in order to benefit users: intrusive advertising methods, and negative mobile experiences.
This new Safari feature keeps all videos on pause until you choose to play them, allowing the user to have control over their experience. Because video ads are a huge source of revenue, many publishers are up in arms about this change — when videos play automatically, even those not watching are included in audience numbers, providing these publishers with skewed numbers to use to sell more ads on their site. No matter your stance, it is clear Safari is targeting two things in order to benefit users: intrusive advertising methods, and negative mobile experiences.
About Mira Brody
Mira Brody is an editor, writer, and marketing expert with 12+ years of experience. She has worked as a local news reporter, a writer/editor, and as a leader in large-scale branding strategy. Mira worked at JTech as the staff writer and editor for internal and client projects from March 2015 to December 2019.
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