diff --git a/background.js b/background.js
index 6a1d972b..cc45246f 100644
--- a/background.js
+++ b/background.js
@@ -1,11 +1,6 @@
-var previousVideoID = null
-
 //the id of this user, randomly generated once per install
 var userID = null;
 
-//the last video id loaded, to make sure it is a video id change
-var sponsorVideoID = null;
-
 //when a new tab is highlighted
 chrome.tabs.onActivated.addListener(
   function(activeInfo) {