They are one of the most infuriating things for me. But I curious to know why is this a popular pattern in websites. Do people actually stop whatever they were planning to do and watch the video ?
I’ve blocked them on all my devices. But once in a while I see them when I use someone else’s devices and I wonder.
Yep, we all know they’re horrible UI/UX, but OP is asking a demographic who knows what UI/UX even means. Most people see nothing wrong with the modern internet, and view ads and unskippable videos as the norm, with no alternative, and happily consume it all.