Pandora: Music & Podcasts

User Experience Report

Week of April 9th, 2025

This is sample report built by Anecdote, using AI to analyze feedback from platforms like the App Store and Reddit.

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All Insights

TOP INSIGHTS

A weekly roundup of Pandora: Music & Podcasts's key feedback

Excessive Ads

A significant number of users, approximately 30%, are frustrated with the frequency of ads interrupting their music experience, with ads appearing after every few songs, making it difficult to enjoy uninterrupted listening.

The app is filled with ads after every few songs, making it hard to enjoy the music.

Racist Advertisements

Around 5% of users have reported encountering offensive and racist advertisements, which has led to discomfort and dissatisfaction, causing some long-time users to consider leaving the platform.

I encountered a racist ad targeting my culture, which is unacceptable and disappointing.

Playback Errors

Approximately 10% of users experience frequent playback errors, where the app fails to play music and requires manual intervention to continue, disrupting the listening experience.

I keep getting a 'playback error' message, and it's very annoying to have to click back to continue listening.

Subscription Limitations

About 15% of users are dissatisfied with the limitations imposed on free accounts, such as restricted skips and the need to watch ads to access certain features, which diminishes the overall user experience.

I have to watch an ad just to skip a song or search for a new one, which is frustrating.

COMPETITORS ANALYSIS

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#1 USERS CHOICE

Spotify

Spotify receives mixed feedback, with users praising its vast music library and user-friendly interface, but expressing frustration over frequent ads and issues with playlist customization. Some users appreciate the AI-generated playlists, while others criticize the presence of AI-generated music and the need for premium subscriptions to fully enjoy the app.

#2 RUNNER UP

Apple Music

Apple Music is generally well-received for its extensive music catalog and ad-free experience, with users appreciating the ability to download music for offline listening. However, some users report issues with song recommendations and playlist management, and there are occasional complaints about the app's pricing and subscription management.

#3 Straggler

Pandora: Music & Podcasts

Pandora receives mixed reviews, with users enjoying its personalized music stations and variety of music options. However, there are complaints about frequent ads, app crashes, and issues with accessing playlists and subscriptions, leading to frustration among long-time users.

Nuggets

Major Highlights of the Week

Excessive Ads

Users are frustrated with the frequency of ads, which often play after every few songs, disrupting the listening experience. This high ad frequency is perceived as a significant deterrent to enjoying the app.

There are way too many ads, making the app terrible to use.

Racist Advertisements

Some users have encountered offensive and racist advertisements, which have led to discomfort and dissatisfaction with the app. This issue has caused long-time users to consider abandoning the platform.

I encountered a racist ad targeting my culture, which is unacceptable.

Playback Errors

Frequent playback errors, such as 'playback error cannot play' messages, disrupt the user experience and require manual intervention to continue listening. This technical issue is causing frustration and consideration of alternative services.

Regularly receive 'playback error cannot play' messages, making the app very annoying to use.

Lyrics Disappearance

The disappearance of lyrics during playback is an unexpected issue that diminishes the user experience, especially for those who enjoy following along with the music. This feature inconsistency is causing confusion and dissatisfaction.

Lyrics disappear during playback, which is frustrating.

Ad Looping

Users report being stuck in ad loops where the same advertisement plays repeatedly, preventing music playback. This issue is particularly disruptive during activities like cleaning or working.

Pandora keeps playing the same ad on a loop, preventing my music from playing.

Geographic Restrictions

The inability to use Pandora outside the US is a significant limitation for users who travel or live abroad. This restriction is seen as a major drawback, especially for those who wish to access their music library internationally.

It's a shame one can't listen to Pandora overseas.

Nuggets

Major Highlights of the Week

Everything you need to know about user experience

Excessive Ads

Racist Advertisements

Playback Errors

Lyrics Disappearance

Ad Looping

Users report being stuck in ad loops where the same advertisement plays repeatedly, preventing music playback. This issue is particularly disruptive during activities like cleaning or working.

Geographic Restrictions

Quotes of the week

Hear from some of the most impactful users to drive changes

There are way too many ads. After every 3 songs or less, there's an ad, making the app terrible. I want to like it more, but it feels like you guys just don't care anymore.

UrDunFur

Week of April 9th, 2025

Pandora is a good music app, but the bugs are annoying. Often the music randomly crashes, and sometimes songs skip in your playlist even if they are downloaded.

SaltyHouseplant (real)

Week of April 9th, 2025

I understand the deal of going premium, but there are way too many ads without it. Back then, Pandora was free with way fewer ads. Can't enjoy music anymore!

Bossalexx

Week of April 9th, 2025

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The quotes of the week

Hear from some of the most impactful users to drive changes

There are way too many ads. After every 3 songs or less, there's an ad, making the app terrible. I want to like it more, but it feels like you guys just don't care anymore.

Candice Wu

App Store

Pandora is a good music app, but the bugs are annoying. Often the music randomly crashes, and sometimes songs skip in your playlist even if they are downloaded.

Kelly Williams

Google Play

I understand the deal of going premium, but there are way too many ads without it. Back then, Pandora was free with way fewer ads. Can't enjoy music anymore!

Koray Okumus

Google Play

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User Experience Report

Pandora: Music & Podcasts

Top Insights This Week

Excessive Ads

Racist Advertisements

Playback Errors

Subscription Limitations

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Start your 14-day free trial

Major Highlights of the Week

Major Highlights of the Week

Hear from some of the most impactful users to drive changes

Start your 14-day free trial today

The quotes of the week

Discover Anecdote’s all-in-one customer experience platform

Search through all your feedback, instantly

Use AI to automate and prioritize your feedback analysis

Send surveys and analyze them with AI

Segment feedback from your company in charts and summaries

Benchmark your company's feedback against your competitors

Stay on top of your feedback with alerts