Ad Blocking

Software or browser features that prevent ads from loading, reducing publisher revenue and pushing formats like server-side ad insertion.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

Ad blocking is the use of software, browser extensions, or built-in browser features to stop ads from loading or displaying. It reduces the impressions publishers can sell and therefore their revenue, which has encouraged approaches such as acceptable-ads programs, subscription models, and server-side ad insertion that are harder for blockers to detect.