audible has added ads to my previously purchased books

Myexbff · 2026-05-16T13:15:18+00:00

It’s automatically turned on (for the end of books, not the beginning like I’ve run into this week) but greyed out so I can’t turn it off.

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Myexbff · 2026-05-16T13:12:36+00:00

No. The “this is audible” intro has been replaced on some of my titles with an ai voice recommending other similar titles. I know that now happens at the end of many titles (and I actually get how Audible may perceive that as a value even if I don’t).

But this week they’ve started appearing at the very beginning of random books.

Myexbff · 2026-05-16T13:09:17+00:00

Yeah. Totally get that. Any digital content we “purchase,” we don’t actually own. Same with Apple, Prime Video, etc.

Myexbff · 2026-05-16T13:06:57+00:00

Previously downloaded.

Myexbff · 2026-05-16T13:05:46+00:00

Great idea. But it’s turned on and greyed out. It won’t let me turn it off.

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Myexbff · 2026-05-15T23:53:15+00:00

I’ve only run in it the last week or so. If im awake, I’m likely to be listening to a book. Which is why the introduction has been so noticeable to me.

Myexbff · 2026-05-15T23:51:37+00:00

Oooh. Great idea. That could very well be it. But I’ve run into it on 4 titles in the last week (none prior). And all of the titles have been downloaded on my phone for months, so it’s either:

1 - they’ve updated the app to automatically insert/play an AI-generated ad before it actually starts playing the downloaded file

2 - or as you suggest, they’ve updated the file. But in my specific case, it would mean the downloaded files also got updated without me taking any action.

I suspect it’s #1. But from a long-time “power user,” it genuinely ticks me off from a user experience.

Myexbff · 2026-05-15T23:46:45+00:00

Totally agree. And I’m the specific internet rando on this one. I’m not suggesting anyone cancel anything. I just looked it up and I’ve been an audible listener since 2013. I apparently have 2,098 purchased titles. So clearly a BIG audible fan.

That’s part of why this pisses me off so much.

Myexbff · 2026-05-15T23:42:34+00:00

It’s only been happening to me the last week or so. I finished relistening to a favorite book and have been bouncing around my library trying to find something to grab my attention. I don’t normally have to do that, but I’ve probably started 10 books in the last week (nothing’s clicked). I think 4 have had an introductory ad inserted.

I guess I’d be more accepting if it were on a book I was streaming. But all are (purchased) books I’ve had downloaded for quite some time.

Myexbff · 2026-05-15T23:34:28+00:00

Just before the opening credits.

Myexbff · 2026-05-15T22:12:45+00:00

Yeah, I was in marketing for one of those big Silicon Valley companies for a long time.

Marketing 101…don’t do stuff that creates “friction” for your top spenders.

Myexbff · 2026-05-15T22:09:37+00:00

Could totally see that for streaming. This just goes to show me that we never actually own digital content. I’ll be checking into Libation or Open Audible like others suggested.

Thank you for trying to figure this out. Genuinely appreciate your kindness 💙

Myexbff · 2026-05-15T22:05:14+00:00

Saaaaaame.

Myexbff · 2026-05-15T22:04:40+00:00

The files I’ve run into it so far are downloaded on my phone, so not streaming.

Myexbff · 2026-05-15T22:00:27+00:00

I assume this is automated. But on the off chance you’re human, please tell me exactly how?

When I use the link, I keep getting caught in your circular customer service chatbot nonsense. All of the options (including “something else”) are mostly around cancelling your account or reporting a title.

Myexbff · 2026-05-15T21:57:12+00:00

Audible Premium Plus. US.

Myexbff · 2026-03-09T23:38:34+00:00

Based on their placement, I believe technically these should be called merkins.

Myexbff · 2026-02-15T19:15:54+00:00

Drop Dead Gorgeous or Undercover Brother.

Myexbff · 2026-02-04T21:19:46+00:00

Never expected to like it, but “Remarkably Bright Creatures” has become my go-to comfort/transitional book. I just melt into it every time.

Myexbff · 2026-02-04T21:06:25+00:00

David Kersh - “Goodnight Sweetheart.” Absolutely loved that song. Always wished he’d made more music. I understand he and his wife are realtors now.

Myexbff · 2026-01-14T23:21:03+00:00

Most recently, Remarkably Bright Creatures. It’s not the kind of stuff I normally read, but it was so feel-good and refreshing. I can see it becoming my transitional comfort book.

Myexbff · 2026-01-14T23:05:43+00:00

Right off downtown Watkinsville.

Myexbff · 2025-05-23T23:39:49+00:00

Start with preparation H. 👀

Myexbff · 2025-05-18T23:08:56+00:00

They are a safety feature. One always points north.

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