YouTube says it will no longer let Trump (or any politician) take over its homepage

Gambling and alcohol ads are prohibited now too.
By Matt Binder  on 
YouTube says it will no longer let Trump (or any politician) take over its homepage

YouTube is making big changes to who it will let "take over" YouTube.com.

For Donald Trump, as well as other politicians, the change means they can never buy that ad spot for their campaigns again. This advertising space, known as a masthead ad unit, can be very costly. It's the first thing users see when going to YouTube's homepage, so it is highly "sought after," but some of YouTube's past decisions on who to sell it to have been controversial.

In a new report from Axios, YouTube says it will no longer allow certain types of ads — including gambling, alcohol sales, prescription drugs, and political spots — to appear in the top spot on the homepage.  According to the report, YouTube will view ads on certain issues which are "political in nature," on a case-by-case basis. However, election ads and advertisements for political candidates' campaigns cannot run ads in YouTube's masthead at all.

YouTube's masthead ad unit had previously made waves because the spot was a major part of Trump's media blitz. The former president's campaign utilized the ad space multiple times throughout his campaigning, both in 2016 and for his reelection campaign in 2020.

The company previously announced that it was giving its masthead ad unit policy a major overhaul last November, right before the 2020 election. At the time, YouTube said it would discontinue the ability for advertisers to take over the homepage with a masthead ad for an entire day. However, the Trump campaign still did so on the day of the election in 2020, as it had reserved the ad space before the policy change.

According to YouTube, its videos receive "billions of views" everyday. The company says 2 billion logged-in users visit each month as well. YouTube is also considered to be the second highest-trafficked search engine on the internet.

This all, of course, makes YouTube a very attractive place for advertisers. But, if you're in businesses promoting alcohol, drugs, gambling, and politics...you'll need to find a new place to put your ads.


Recommended For You

LinkedIn is testing a TikTok-like video feed
The LinkedIn app and logo is seen on a digital device.


Twitch streamer Ninja shares cancer diagnosis
A man sits in front of a computer wearing a headset. On the right is a screenshot of an X post.


More in Tech
How to watch 'Lisa Frankenstein' at home: When is it streaming?
Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse in 'Lisa Frankenstein'


How to watch NC State vs. Marquette basketball without cable
DJ Horne #0 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack drives to the basket as Blake Lampman #11 of the Oakland Golden Grizzlies defends during the first half of a game in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 23, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

How to watch Gonzaga vs. Purdue basketball without cable
Purdue Boilermakers guard Lance Jones (55) starts a fast break during the Purdue Boilermakers versus the Utah State Aggies in the second round of the NCAA Division I Championship on March 24, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.

How to watch Tennessee vs. Creighton basketball without cable
Ryan Kalkbrenner #11 of the Creighton Bluejays goes to the basket in the first half of the game against the Oregon Ducks during the second round of the 2024 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 23, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for March 28
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for March 29
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for March 29
a phone displaying Wordle


Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for March 28
a phone displaying Wordle
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!