Spotify Tests Ad-Skip Button for 777 Million Users as Premium Podcast Ads Face Bypass
Updated
Updated · TNW · Aug 10
Spotify Tests Ad-Skip Button for 777 Million Users as Premium Podcast Ads Face Bypass
3 articles · Updated · TNW · Aug 10
Summary
Some Spotify Premium users can now tap a foreground-only “skip ahead” button that jumps past podcast ads, intros and filler, but not ads sold directly by Spotify.
Spotify told publishers the early test increased overall podcast listening time and said it is gathering feedback from users, advertisers and podcast companies before deciding whether to expand it.
Podcast networks say the design creates a two-tier ad market that protects Spotify inventory while devaluing publisher-sold spots; one ad company told Podnews the practice could be considered fraudulent.
777 million monthly users give Spotify unusual leverage in that fight, as Premium subscribers already expect ad-free music while many podcast companies rely on stitched-in ads for monetisation.