Since last evening, the ads play but the videos don't, they just buffer endlessly. No problems with Netflix, BBC iPlayer or Vimeo. Anyone else having problems?

Works perfectly on my mobile phone. Have you tried using an ad blocker? Might help. Youtube did recently a major update. There is now a possibility to pre load the vids on at least android and later with other pc and so forth IIRC. On guidingtech.com there is a guide on how to enable it on android. Try search preload guidingtech if it is not to be found otherwise.

It seems this is not a new feature. Youtube has had this feature before on some devices at least and IIRC they removed that feature later. And now it has returned it would seem.

Sorry Sir. Actually the feature is buffering for Android phones. There is talk about it on at least telkomgaming.co.za.
Downdetector is one other place worthwhile to check out about Youtube problems. The new feature is supposed to buffer the whole video which helps those with slow internet connection.

It's working now...sort of.

jamesg1213
It's working now...sort of.

OK. And also it has been said that the feature is available to only some Android users as only some get the New Android app which makes this happen.

I don't have internet on my phone or own a tablet, just this PC and the old DAW that I retired a while back.

YouTube is working in England James.

Karyn
YouTube is working in England James.

Someone seems to have unblocked the pipe at Gretna, it's working again now.

durn you, James. I just wanted to be helpful and verify YouTube was still working, and now you've got me stuck in yet another YouTube loop. Another morning frittered away...yes, I know it's a sickness.