Short answer: the site has laid an invisible ad link or click script over its video player. Your first click goes to the ad, which opens in a new tab; only your second click reaches the real Play button. AdTabBlock disables the invisible layer and blocks the ad tab, so Play works the first time.
Why you have to click Play twice
On many free video and streaming sites, the player is covered by something you can't see:
- An invisible link stretched over the player. Your click lands on the link, not the video, and the link opens an ad in a new tab. The layer then removes itself, so your next click finally starts the video.
- A click script attached to the player. It lets the video start but fires an ad tab at the same moment, often behind your current window.
- A tab swap. The video page reopens itself in a new tab while your current tab turns into an ad. See what is a tab-under.
Chrome lets all three through, because each one happens right after a real click. More in why clicking a website opens an ad in a new tab.
How to make Play work the first time
- Install AdTabBlock. It detects invisible links covering the page and disables them, blocks the ad tab the click script tries to open, and keeps your tab in place during a tab swap.
- Press Play once. The video should start, and the AdTabBlock badge shows how many ad tabs were stopped.
- If a site still leaks, tell us on the report page with the site's address so we can cover it in the next update.
Press Play once. Get the video, not an ad. AdTabBlock is free.
Add to ChromeStay safe on these sites
- Close surprise tabs without clicking anything in them.
- Never allow notifications from a site you landed on by accident.
- Never install a "video player update" or "codec" a pop-up offers you.
Questions
Why does clicking Play open a new tab?
The site has placed an invisible ad link or a click script over its video player. Your click triggers the ad, which opens in a new tab, before the video starts. Chrome allows it because it happens right after a real click.
How do I stop video sites opening ads when I click Play?
Use an extension that blocks click-triggered ad tabs, such as AdTabBlock. It disables invisible links over the player and blocks the ad tab, so the video starts on the first click.