Spotify tests ad-skipping feature for Premium users

Spotify is testing a new feature that lets some listeners skip ads in podcasts. The “Skip ahead” button appears alongside the Chapters control on select podcasts in the U.S. and U.K. When tapped, it instantly jumps past the ad break and resumes playback where the show restarts. The rollout is still experimental, so only a small group of Premium subscribers can use it right now. Spotify has confirmed it is exploring ways to make podcast listening “more intuitive,” but the company has not said whether the feature will become permanent.

Podcast ads are different from music ads. On free music tiers, Spotify inserts its own ads. Podcast creators, however, often place their own ads or endorsements at natural breaks in the episode. Those ads are outside Spotify’s direct control, so listeners on the free tier usually have to sit through them. Some creators rely on ad revenue, and skipping ads could reduce their earnings from brand partnerships. Spotify’s test may help Premium users avoid interruptions, but it risks cutting into the income of independent podcasters and media companies.

So far, the feature works quickly once tapped. A reporter found it skipped entire ad breaks in a handful of test episodes without overshooting into the show. Spotify has not released data on how many users see the button, but early screenshots show it next to the Chapters icon. At the moment, the fastest alternative for listeners is the 15-second skip button, which often lands users in the middle of an ad or too far into the episode. The new skip ahead option removes that guesswork, but it is not yet available to everyone.

If Spotify keeps the feature, it could change how podcast ads are measured and paid for. Advertisers may demand new tracking methods if listeners can skip ads instantly. Podcasters could ask for higher upfront fees or different ad formats to offset lost impressions. Spotify has said not every experiment becomes a permanent feature, so this one may disappear after more testing. For now, Premium subscribers in a few countries can try it—and decide whether they want their podcasts ad-free or ad-light.