Comment by theintern
5 days ago
Other platforms do this too like pocketcasts. I assume it's the backend distribution network identifying your IP address and inserting 'relevant' ads. I don't believe it's being added by the podcast app (though for Spotify it may be, don't know)
Spotify (premium) also has preroll video ads.
I use Pocket Casts all the time and have never heard an ad inserted to a podcast.
Try using it abroad in a non English speaking country. You’ll notice the ads because they won’t be in English. This happens to me on Pocket Casts every time I travel.