Some sites claim that a specific "codec" or "player update" is required to view the content. This is a common method for delivering viruses to a user's device.
Stick to well-known, mainstream media hosting sites that have clear moderation policies and technical security measures in place.
These tools can prevent intrusive pop-ups and redirects that often lead to unsafe corners of the internet.
Before clicking, check the URL for misspellings or unusual domains. Secure sites generally use HTTPS.