# SponsorBlock — Skip YouTube Sponsors Automatically

> A crowdsourced browser extension that automatically skips sponsor segments, intros, outros, and other non-content sections in YouTube videos.

## Install

Save in your project root:

# SponsorBlock — Skip YouTube Sponsors Automatically

## Quick Use
```
Install from Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons.
Search "SponsorBlock" and click Add to Browser.
Play any YouTube video — sponsored segments are skipped automatically.
```

## Introduction
SponsorBlock is a community-powered browser extension that lets viewers skip sponsor segments, self-promotions, interaction reminders, and other non-content sections in YouTube videos. Users submit segment timestamps, which are then shared with everyone through a public API, creating a crowdsourced database of skippable moments.

## What SponsorBlock Does
- Automatically skips sponsor reads, paid promotions, and product placements
- Skips intros, outros, subscription reminders, and filler content
- Highlights key moments and marks chapters submitted by the community
- Provides a voting system to ensure segment accuracy
- Exposes a public API used by third-party players and apps

## Architecture Overview
SponsorBlock consists of a browser extension client and a self-hosted server. The client detects the current YouTube video ID and queries the server for known segments. When the video playback reaches a marked segment, the extension fast-forwards past it. The server stores all submissions in a PostgreSQL database and serves them through a REST API. Community voting and a reputation system keep submissions accurate.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Install the extension from Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, or sideload on Android
- Configure which segment types to skip, mute, or highlight in settings
- Set the skip behavior to automatic, manual prompt, or show in the progress bar only
- The server component can be self-hosted using the open-source SponsorBlockServer repository
- Third-party apps like NewPipe, FreeTube, and mpv integrate via the public API

## Key Features
- Crowdsourced database with millions of submitted segments
- Supports multiple segment categories: sponsor, intro, outro, filler, music off-topic
- Voting system and user reputation to maintain data quality
- Public API enables integration in third-party video players
- Privacy-focused with minimal data collection

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **uBlock Origin** — blocks ads served by YouTube; SponsorBlock skips in-video sponsor reads
- **Return YouTube Dislike** — restores dislike counts; SponsorBlock focuses on skipping segments
- **DeArrow** — replaces clickbait titles and thumbnails; SponsorBlock addresses in-video content
- **Enhancer for YouTube** — adds playback controls; SponsorBlock specializes in segment skipping

## FAQ
**Q: How accurate are the segment submissions?**
A: A voting and reputation system helps maintain quality. Popular videos typically have well-verified segments, while newer or obscure videos may have less coverage.

**Q: Does SponsorBlock work on mobile?**
A: It works on Firefox for Android. On iOS, third-party apps like Vinegar integrate SponsorBlock data.

**Q: Can I submit segments myself?**
A: Yes. Press the SponsorBlock button during playback to mark segment start and end times and submit them to the database.

**Q: Does this hurt creators?**
A: SponsorBlock skips the sponsor read but does not block the ad revenue YouTube pays creators for pre-roll and mid-roll ads.

## Sources
- https://github.com/ajayyy/SponsorBlock
- https://sponsor.ajay.app

---
Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/asset-a2171827
Author: AI Open Source