Inappropriate advertising between podcast episodes

[LButler88]

I’m a long-time Premium account holder based in the UK and want to raise a concern about inappropriate adverts I've recently heard while listening to podcasts on your platform.

Between episodes of Shagged Married Annoyed this evening around 8pm on 27/9/2025, listening through an Alexa device, I was served a US-based advert for ICE recruitment (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement). The content of the advert was deeply offensive, portraying immigrants in a criminal light and promoting a message that I found morally troubling and inappropriate, especially for a UK audience.

As a Premium user, I was under the impression that my subscription would offer an ad-free experience, or at the very least, avoid content that is politically charged or ethically questionable.

I've also recently heard advertising for medications that would not be permitted in the UK. I’ve never encountered this type of advert before, even when listening to US-based podcasts, and it was particularly jarring to hear it during a UK-based show.

I understand that ad placements may be automated or regionally targeted, but I urge Spotify to review the suitability of such content, especially when served to Premium listeners who pay to have advertising removed, in the UK. I would appreciate clarification on how these ads are selected and whether there is a way to opt out of such material.

[iammarkjohnson]

As a Premium user you shouldn’t get ads in music, but some podcasts include ads controlled by the publisher, not Spotify. If you’re hearing content that seems inappropriate or mis-targeted, best option is to report it through the app or to Spotify Support so they can review.

[ultramonkey]

**bleep** you Spotify.  I've had an account FOREVER.  I actually just upgraded it to a Family Premium plan or whatever it's called, so I could share the joy of music with my children.

I'm cancelling right now.  Don't feed**bleep** to people, let alone my kids.  Go **bleep** yourselves.

[t1nypancak3]

I have ad free, but I am absolutely not paying twenty odd dollars a month so that Spotify can further divide America with these inflamatory ICE recruitment ads. Cancelling today. 

[thatbecky79]

Should we boycott because of these ads? 

[Googlegirl2001]

Yes, at least for me. My plan ends this month and I’m going back to Apple Music. Never should’ve left them tbh

[daniel33008]

Switch to Tidal. That's what I did as soon as I heard. Its cheaper anyway and you can transfer all of your likes and playlists over to them. 

[CCC76]

I came to check if this is true as well. This will be my last month with spotify. I thought I wouldnt be able to live without Target and its been 10 months since I've shopped there. Spotify will be a piece of cake.

[e765]

Yes. Canceling my paid account today after 10+ years and will not be using the platform anymore. 

[karlaveraa]

cancelling my subscription due to the ice recruiting ads!! so disgusting and vile. been with spotify for the last 10 years…never again!!

[dresmend00]

Just heard about this. I’ll be cancelling my family plan asap. 

[Kelcey]

Does anyone know who we can contact at Spotify in regard to the company now running ICE Recruitment videos? I tried the customer service chat but that is clearly not a person. There is no number to contact Spotify. 

[tgent101]

Apple??? It would be tough to say that's a moral improvement

[rdb1536]

I've asked this as well and can't find an answer. If this is the case I will cancel my premium family subscription 

[Sancta]

Yes. Please spread the word 

[Sancta]

This is the crappy response I got when I reached out to let them know why I canceled. They said this then ended the chat so I couldn't respond.

[Microdomain]

Cancelling my premiums account I had for 15 y or so. Not supporting ICE recruitment ads or any similar authoritarian anti democratic movements. Sorry no way. We all would stand up against this and move out an inch of our comfort zones 

[maadlus]

I have been struggling to find some justification for not cancelling my subscription so convenientnisnusing Spotify. Despite the many reasons for finding it vile. But this just might do it. Ads for ICE recruitment! Spotify obviously is willfully IGNORANT af or flushed the last once of morality and ethics they might have had left down the toilet for an extra few bucks - or to curry favour with foreign regimes. 
disgusting. 

[Douknownam]

Been on the premium family plan for years, this news is so unfortunate. I will not support a business that supports ICE advertisements. Cancelling.

[Nikb25]

Let's boycott