Posted Aug 10, 2026 at 8:08 AM UTCJSpotify is testing a ‘Skip ahead’ feature to bypass podcast ads.Podnews found evidence of the new ad-skipping function appearing “for Premium users in selected markets,” with the button appearing on screen as soon as ads, promos, or intros start. In a statement to the publication, Spotify noted that many people are skipping those things anyway: “We’re exploring ways to make podcast listening and viewing more intuitive for Premium subscribers based on how people use the platform.”Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.Jess Weatherbed
Spotify is testing a ‘Skip ahead’ feature to bypass podcast ads.
Podnews found evidence of the new ad-skipping function appearing “for Premium users in selected markets,” with the button appearing on screen as soon as ads, promos, or intros start. In a statement to the publication, Spotify noted that many people are skipping those things anyway: “We’re exploring ways to make podcast listening and viewing more intuitive for Premium subscribers based on how people use the platform.” [Image: Podnews’ report includes a video showing the “Skip ahead” button appearing on several podcasts, taking listeners to the start of the next section. https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-10-085750.jpg?quality=90&strip=all]
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