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Ad-skipping in podcasts is ‘surprisingly low’

Feb 23, 2026
Discussion about surprisingly low ad skipping rates, with data suggesting many listeners stay through ads. A possible Apple Podcasts HLS feature that could make ads non-skippable is explained. Comments from Netflix’s CEO on the streaming landscape and podcasts are highlighted. News on audio network expansion into Brazil and recent industry events are also covered.
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INSIGHT

Ad Skipping Is Surprisingly Low

  • Podcast ad skipping rates are lower than expected with about 90% of listeners staying through ad breaks for many Bumper clients.
  • Dan Misener links longer ad breaks to higher avoidance and lower retention, highlighting break length as the key factor.
ANECDOTE

Ted Sarandos Compares Podcasts To Chat Shows

  • Ted Sarandos told BBC Radio 4 that podcasts are an extension of chat shows and lots of niche offerings can exist.
  • He claimed "I think there's a million podcasts now, literally, around the world," reflecting his view of podcast scale.
INSIGHT

Video Podcasts Reveal Measurement Gaps

  • Spotify posting full-length video episodes exposed measurement gaps in Australia's podcast ranker, which doesn't measure video streams.
  • Prithi Day urged third-party measurement and noted the ranker would include Spotify data if provided, highlighting data-sharing friction.
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