
Thus, it can also use the same AutoplayStopper plugin mentioned above for Chrome.Īlternatively, Edge also can block videos natively, but for some reason it’s buried under the “flags” settings rather than a user-friendly feature. Microsoft EdgeĮdge is now based on Chromium, the open source basis for Google Chrome and most non-Firefox browsers by this point. For individual sites, go to Safari > Settings for This Website under “Auto-Play,” you’ll have the choice between “allow,” “never,” and “stop media with sound.”Īs a default browser-wide setting for all sites, go to Safari > Preferences > Websites > Auto-Play at the bottom right, “When visiting other websites” allows you to choose from the same settings as above (never, always, and only media with sound). Like Firefox, Safari also has autoplay block settings built in.

For a specific site you’re visiting, go to the URL bar at the top of the browser and click on the icons at the left you’ll be able to choose settings for that site.ĭefault browser autoplay settings can also be accessed under Settings > Privacy & Security > Permissions, under “Autoplay.” Safari Firefoxįirefox has autoplay blocking built into the browser by default. Considering Google relies on advertising revenue for most of its income, as well as owning the most popular video site online (YouTube), it’s not surprising. The extension AutoplayStopper seems the best means on Google’s browser, as Chrome doesn’t include autoplay blocking by default. Blocking autoplay videos in desktop browsers Autoplay video settings on CNN’s website in Firefox. In addition, the use of ad blocker extensions like uBlock Origin and privacy extensions like Privacy Badger might also help. It also tends to be more of a feature of desktop browsers versus their mobile counterparts, despite the aforementioned data cap problem.īelow are some ways of blocking autoplay videos. Fortunately, blocking autoplay videos has become a common feature built into browsers, though to varying degrees of effectiveness.

For another, data caps on mobile plans make this practice particularly bad, especially with limited ways to block such on mobile devices. It’s insensitive to users’ needs (they might be somewhere quiet, or listening to their own audio/video), for one. As I’ve written before, autoplaying video is one of the most obnoxious things about the modern web.
