Catra

Element is just a client that can connect to the Matrix which is federated and decentralized just like Lemmy. Element is heavily promoted because element is the most well-developed client out there (made by the same people behind the matrix so they get the new features first) but far from the only one.

Regular element is free on all operating systems including windows, linux, android, etc. And there’s even a web version.

And just like Lemmy you can register on any instance and communicate with any other (federated) instances. Matrix.org being the biggest one but there are countless and you can even self-host.

If you’d rather use another client you can use any of these listed here: https://matrix.org/ecosystem/clients/

To use Element on the web you just need to go to:
https://app.element.io/

Unfortunately this is a question that comes up very often in the Pi-Hole community where the answer is always: no, a Pi-Hole cannot block YouTube ads.

This is because a pihole blocks at the DNS level and YouTube serves their ads from the YouTube.com domain. Block that and you lose full access to the site.

They recommend running either uBlock Origin alongside it and/or use apps such as newpipe for android and freetube for desktop.

That said, I will always recommend setting up a Pi-Hole if you’re able to as the benefits of blocking trackers and ads from the entire network (which includes your cellphones, smart TVs, printers, IP cameras, etcetera) is definitely a good thing. Once set up it is 99% a “set it and forget it” kind of setup.