Automatic Podcast Ad Detection
Skipper uses advanced on-device AI to identify podcast advertisements as you listen. When an ad is detected, you get notified and can skip with a single tap—or enable auto-skip to never hear ads again.
How It Works
Our intelligent detection system analyzes audio patterns, speech characteristics, and contextual cues to identify ad segments in real-time. Unlike server-based solutions, all processing happens on your iPhone using Apple's neural engine. This means instant detection with no internet required and complete privacy—your listening habits never leave your device.
Benefits
- Detects both dynamically-inserted and baked-in ads
- Works offline—no internet connection needed
- Zero data collection—processing stays on your device
- Models improve with regular app updates
- Identifies sponsor segments, pre-rolls, mid-rolls, and post-rolls
Technical Details
Try Ad Detection
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Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is Skipper's ad detection?
Skipper uses on-device AI to identify ad boundaries. The AI identifies both the start and end of ad segments. Detection accuracy improves with regular model updates.
What types of ads does it detect?
Skipper detects most podcast ads including dynamically-inserted ads and host-read sponsor segments.
Will skipping ads hurt podcast creators?
With ad skipping enabled, Skipper extracts sponsor information so you can still support advertisers you're interested in. The Sponsors Tab shows brand names, promo codes, and offers from detected ads.
Does detection require an internet connection?
No. All ad detection processing happens entirely on your device using Apple's Neural Engine. You can detect and skip ads even in airplane mode or areas with no signal.
How is this different from SponsorBlock?
SponsorBlock relies on community submissions—if no one has marked timestamps, you're out of luck. Skipper detects ads automatically using on-device AI, so it works on any podcast, any episode, without depending on crowdsourced data.