Egregious is the perfect word, I can only add that the adds are offensively stupid as well, and loud. I've been clicking back and forth until the content comes on but now it's three times at least. I'll install one of these ad blockers now but the real problem still isn't solved. I'd love to leave the platform altogether but don't know of an alternative. I tried PeerTube at one point but that was a dumpster fire , at least at the time I peeked in.

The other thing I hate about YT is the obvious click baiting the platform does, over the creators wishes. If I'm not clicking on any of the videos, the thumbnail images get weirder and crazier until I just leave the whole mess. Anyone else noticed this? It's like they are convinced this will gain more engagement and maybe it does but I hate it and feel manipulated and degraded by it.