Why Are YouTube TV Commercials So Loud? I Asked Them

Why Are YouTube TV Commercials So Loud? I Asked Them

If you’re a regular YouTube TV user like me, you may have noticed that the commercials seem to be much louder than the actual show or movie you’re watching.

This sudden increase in volume can be jarring and annoying, making you want to mute the TV or reach for the remote to turn down the sound.

But why are YouTube TV commercials so loud, and is there anything you can do to fix it?

After a lot of research and talking to a few audiophile friends, I realized they all unanimously had similar answers.

YouTube TV commercials are louder because of the way advertisers master their audio compared to the content you watch. You can solve this by using external audio devices, adjusting equalizer settings, or upgrading to the ad-free version.

Why Are YouTube TV Commercials So Loud?

The main reason that YouTube TV commercials seem to be louder than the program you’re watching is due to a technique called “audio compression”. 

Audio compression is a process that evens out the audio levels in a program or video to ensure that all sounds are heard at the same volume. 

This technique is often used in television and radio broadcasting to make sure that viewers and listeners can hear everything that is being said, even if some parts are quieter than others.

However, when it comes to commercials, advertisers want to make sure that their message is heard loud and clear.

They often use a technique called “dynamic range compression” to make their commercials stand out from the program you’re watching.

This technique increases the volume of quieter sounds while reducing the volume of louder sounds, resulting in a commercial that sounds louder than the program you’re watching.

In addition, many YouTube TV commercials are created with the intent to grab the viewer’s attention.

This often means using bright colors, flashy graphics, and loud music or sound effects. The combination of these factors can make the commercial seem even louder than it actually is.

If you’re tired of having to turn down the volume every time a commercial comes on, there are a few things you can try to fix the issue.

Using an Audio Limiter

One potential solution is to use an audio limiter.

An audio limiter is a device or software that limits the maximum volume of an audio signal. 

By setting the limiter to a certain level, you can prevent the volume from going above that level, even if the commercial is much louder than the program you’re watching.

Some audio limiters are available as standalone devices, while others are built into audio systems or software.

They can be used on a variety of devices, including TVs, soundbars, and home theater systems.

Some popular audio limiters include the ATC SCM20ASL Pro and the TC Electronic Level Pilot.

However, it’s important to note that using an audio limiter may not be a complete solution, as some commercials may still exceed the maximum volume set by the limiter.

Adjust Your TV Settings

Another option is to adjust your TV settings.

Many newer TVs have a feature called “volume leveling” or “auto volume control” that automatically adjusts the volume of the program you’re watching to a consistent level.

This feature can help prevent commercials from sounding excessively loud.

To enable this feature, consult your TV’s user manual or audio settings in the menu.

Get the Ad-Free Version of YouTube TV

Finally, if you’re tired of dealing with loud commercials altogether, you may want to consider using ad-free options.

YouTube TV offers ad-free plans that allow you to watch your favorite shows and movies without any interruptions.

This plan costs a bit more than the regular plan, but it eliminates the need to deal with loud commercials altogether.

Another option is to use an ad-blocker, which can be added to your web browser or streaming device.

However, it’s important to note that using an ad-blocker may violate YouTube TV’s terms of service, and it may not work on all devices or with all types of content.

No More Loud Commercials

In conclusion, the reason that YouTube TV commercials seem to be louder than the program you’re watching is due to a technique called dynamic range compression.

While there are a few potential solutions to this issue, such as using an audio limiter or adjusting your TV settings, the best option may be to switch to a streaming service that offers ad-free options.

By doing so, you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies without having to deal with excessively loud commercials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are YouTube TV commercials so loud?

YouTube TV commercials can be louder than regular programming due to a process called audio leveling, where the audio levels are boosted to make them stand out more.

Can I adjust the volume of YouTube TV commercials?

While YouTube TV doesn’t offer a way to adjust the volume of commercials specifically, you can adjust the overall volume of your TV or device to make them less loud.

Is there a way to watch YouTube TV without commercials?

Yes, you can get YouTube TV without commercials by subscribing to the YouTube TV Premium add-on, which allows you to watch all of your favorite shows without any commercial interruptions.

About the author

Maria Chan, or MC, as we call her, is the genius girl-boss who gave up on her cushy silicon-valley job to grind it out with us. Her undying pursuit of wanting Zeebox to the best makes it very clear that she has no interest in running a generic tech-site.

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