Universal Autoplay Video Blocker

WHAT IT DOES

Universal Autoplay Video Blocker detects and prevents autoplaying video and audio elements from playing automatically on any webpage. It works with HTML5 video and audio players, as well as embedded players like YouTube and Vimeo. The tool can either pause autoplaying media or mute it, giving you control over how autoplay is handled. This stops annoying auto-playing videos, reduces bandwidth usage, and prevents unexpected sound when browsing the web. With per-domain toggles, you can enable blocking on sites with aggressive autoplay and disable it on sites where you want autoplay to work.

WHERE IT RUNS

This extension works on any website across the entire web. It functions on news sites, social media platforms, video streaming sites, blogs, forums, and any page with embedded media. The tool works across all domains and adapts to dynamically loaded content and single-page applications.

HOW TO USE

Install the extension and navigate to any website with autoplaying media. The tool automatically detects and blocks autoplay on the current page. Use the overlay panel to control the behavior: toggle "Enable on this site" to enable or disable the tool for the current domain. Choose which types of media to block: HTML5 video, HTML5 audio, and embedded players (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.). Select the blocking behavior: "Pause instead of mute" stops playback when autoplay is detected, while disabling this option mutes the media but allows it to continue playing silently. Click "Block Now" to manually scan and block any new autoplay media that may have loaded after the page changed, or "Restore Play Method" to restore the original play method if you need to temporarily allow autoplay.

TECHNICAL SECTION — MEDIA DETECTION AND AUTOPLAY INTERCEPTION

The extension uses a comprehensive three-layer approach to block autoplay. First, it scans the page for all HTML5 video and audio elements, checking for the autoplay attribute and the current playback state — pausing any media that is playing or has the autoplay attribute set. Second, it scans for embedded players by checking iframe src attributes for known video platforms (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.), modifying the URL to add or change autoplay=1 to autoplay=0. Third, it overrides the HTMLMediaElement.prototype.play method — when any code attempts to call play() on a video or audio element, the overridden method checks whether autoplay should be blocked. If blocking is enabled and the element has the autoplay attribute or is attempting to autoplay, the method either pauses the media (pause mode) or mutes it (mute mode). This interception layer catches autoplay attempts from JavaScript that might otherwise bypass direct attribute scanning.

THE PANEL — DRAG / PER-SITE POSITION / SNAP / COLLAPSE / RESIZE / ESCAPE

The overlay panel is fully interactive and designed for seamless multitasking. Drag it anywhere on the screen using the handle at the top of the panel; the position is saved per site so it stays where you left it across sessions. The panel includes a snap-to-edge feature that gently anchors the overlay to the nearest screen edge when released. Click the collapse button to minimize the panel to a compact pill showing the current blocking status; expand it again with a single click. Resize the panel vertically by dragging the bottom-right corner to view more controls. Press the Escape key at any time to instantly close the overlay; it reappears on the next page navigation or refresh.

PLEASE NOTE

This extension requires the free BotGentz companion extension to function, as it provides the underlying content script injection and cross-origin communication framework. No personal data, browsing history, or page content is stored, transmitted, or shared. Settings are stored locally in your browser using GM_setValue and are never sent to any external server. The extension does not access or store login credentials, financial data, or personally identifiable information. The play method override may interfere with websites that rely on custom video players or complex JavaScript media controls. If a site's video player breaks, use the "Restore Play Method" button to revert the override for the current session. Some embedded players may load content dynamically and bypass the initial detection; the tool monitors DOM changes to catch new players. The extension does not block user-initiated playback — only media that attempts to autoplay without user interaction.