Pocket Casts is showing ads to people who paid for an ad-free app, sparking frustration among longtime users. Reports surfaced in early September on the Pocket Casts support forum and subreddit, with subscribers saying they were unexpectedly seeing banner ads.

According to Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg, the issue is not intentional. He confirmed that the ads are the result of a bug and promised that a fix is on the way. Still, the controversy highlights long-standing tensions around Pocket Casts’ pricing models and commitments to early supporters.

A History Of Paid Promises

Pocket Casts first launched in 2010 as a one-time purchase app, costing up to $10 depending on platform. Unlike subscription-based competitors, early adopters were promised a permanent ad-free experience.

That changed in 2019 when the service switched to a subscription model. Following backlash, the company granted free lifetime access to Pocket Casts Plus—the premium ad-free tier—for anyone who had paid for the app before the shift.

From Automattic To “Champion” Memberships

In 2021, Automattic acquired Pocket Casts. Then, in 2024, those lifetime memberships were rebranded as “Pocket Casts Champion” accounts. At the time, Pocket Casts reassured users that nothing would change about their ad-free status.

Yet now, some Champion members are seeing ads and being prompted to pay the $40 yearly fee for Plus to remove them. This has fueled confusion about whether the company is backtracking on its earlier promises.

Why This Matters

For many, the frustration isn’t just about ads—it’s about trust. Users who invested early in Pocket Casts believed they were guaranteed a premium, ad-free experience. Seeing ads despite having Champion status raises concerns about transparency and respect for long-term supporters.

If Automattic delivers on its promise to fix the bug, the controversy may fade. But if users continue seeing ads, the company risks further backlash from one of its most loyal communities.