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how to change ff settings to open but NOT start playing youtube videos?

  • 7 replies
  • 7 have this problem
  • 3 views
  • Last reply by Phoxuponyou

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Hi,

I've been searching all over the place for how to change ff settings to open but NOT start playing youtube videos! I've read lots on HTML5 and flash (not that i understand much of it...) But, my real problem i wish to fix is to get the videos that i get to by clicking a link to NOT start playing immediately! (I could be wrong?-- but from what i 've read from others:

even just STARTING the play, even if i quickly press the stop button, will cost me the data as if i played the whole video)--

and this is devastating to my limited monthly data quota! (i only get 2 GB/month)

So what does it take? Do i somhow change a plugin or add-on setting, or download something new to help, or...?

BTW i am low-tech, so please keep your answer fairly simple  ;) Thanks! i'd be so grateful for any help!

Hi, I've been searching all over the place for how to change ff settings to open but NOT start playing youtube videos! I've read lots on HTML5 and flash (not that i understand much of it...) But, my real problem i wish to fix is to get the videos that i get to by clicking a link to NOT start playing immediately! (I could be wrong?-- but from what i 've read from others: even just STARTING the play, even if i quickly press the stop button, will cost me the data as if i played the whole video)-- and this is devastating to my limited monthly data quota! (i only get 2 GB/month) So what does it take? Do i somhow change a plugin or add-on setting, or download something new to help, or...? BTW i am low-tech, so please keep your answer fairly simple ;) Thanks! i'd be so grateful for any help!

Chosen solution

Picked the name on a whim, glad you like it. ;)

The add-on I suggested, YouTube High Definition, can stop automatic playback of both videos and playlists. I've attached a screenshot of the options provided so you can see for yourself what is on offer - I've used the add-on for a while and it has worked as advertised.

Read this answer in context 👍 2

All Replies (7)

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Flash block {web link} Never be annoyed by a Flash animation again! Blocks Flash so it won't get in your way, but if you want to see it, just click on it

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hi fred, actually, i do no seek a way to block flash-- i already have my add-on's setting to "ask to activate".

What i AM seeking, is to have the youtube videos NOT start playing immediately as soon as i click to them.

i often just want to see them, but not actually start them playing, as it sucks my data allowance. Does this make sense?

thanks

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That is not something you can control with native Firefox settings, I'm afraid.

Instead of a simple blocker, there are add-ons that can manipulate the Youtube player. I personally use https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/youtube-high-definition/ - it allows you to set whether videos autoplay, what your preferred resolution is, and even what volume level you would like.

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Hi Phoxuponyou (cute name BTW! lol), Thanks for your reply!

But are you sure you mean the "autoplay" feature, how youtube calls it? Apparently, the feature called "autoplay" is actually the playing of the NEXT video automatically, which is selected by youtube based upon your previous plays~ rather than the first playing arrived at by your first clicking on a video link.

I know that users can disable the autoplay feature (by clicking on the toggle button in the upper right-hand corner of the video page you are watching). But i have found no way through youtube to disable the playing of the FIRST video automatically.

If you actually mean auto-playing the FIRST video, then great!!! That's exactly what i'm hoping for. (But if you mean youtube's "autoplay" feature, there would be no point in me getting the add-on you mention here.)

So would you please confirm which one you mean? I'd appreciate it, thanks!

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Chosen Solution

Picked the name on a whim, glad you like it. ;)

The add-on I suggested, YouTube High Definition, can stop automatic playback of both videos and playlists. I've attached a screenshot of the options provided so you can see for yourself what is on offer - I've used the add-on for a while and it has worked as advertised.

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thanks so much, phox!

you've been awesome helpful! :)

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You're welcome. :)