Fast forward is disabled on Paramount Plus because the app is protecting the rights of content owners who don't allow viewers to skip ads or certain scenes
When you hit the fast-forward button on Paramount Plus and nothing happens, you're running into a deliberate restriction built into the app. The streaming service disables fast forward in two main situations: during ad-supported content (where skipping ads would cost the platform money) and on certain licensed shows or movies where the content owner has contractual control over how the material can be watched.
This is not a bug or a temporary glitch. It's a business decision made by Paramount Plus and enforced by the app itself. Understanding why it happens and what you can actually do about it takes knowing the difference between the two types of restrictions and which subscription tier you're on.
Key Takeaways
- Fast forward is blocked during ads on the ad-supported Paramount Plus plan, but works freely on the ad-free Premium plan.
- Some licensed content has fast-forward restrictions built into the licensing agreement, and these explore to all subscription tiers.
- Restarting the app or checking your internet connection can fix a fast-forward button that appears broken but is actually just unresponsive.
- Upgrading to the ad-free Premium tier removes the ad-skipping restriction but does not remove restrictions tied to specific shows or movies.
- Live TV and sports content on Paramount Plus typically cannot be fast-forwarded because it streams in real time.
Ad-Supported Plans Block Fast Forward During Commercials
Paramount Plus offers two subscription tiers: Paramount Plus with ads and Paramount Plus Premium (ad-free). On the ad-supported plan, the app deliberately prevents you from skipping or fast-forwarding through advertisements. This is how the platform makes money on the cheaper tier—advertisers pay for viewers to watch their spots, and the app enforces that by locking the fast-forward button during ad breaks.
The Premium tier removes this restriction entirely. If you upgrade to ad-free Paramount Plus, you will not see ads at all, and fast forward works on all content that doesn't have a licensing restriction. The difference in cost between the two tiers reflects this: the ad-supported plan is cheaper because you're trading your time watching ads for a lower monthly price.
If you're on the Premium plan and fast forward is still disabled, the problem is not the ads—it's a licensing restriction on that specific content, which is covered in the next section.
Licensed Content Has Built-In Fast-Forward Restrictions
Some shows and movies on Paramount Plus come with licensing agreements that include restrictions on how viewers can watch them. These restrictions are written into the contract between Paramount Plus and the content owner (a studio, network, or production company). When a licensing agreement says "no fast forward," the app enforces it regardless of which subscription tier you're on.
You cannot override these restrictions by upgrading your plan or changing any setting in the app. The restriction is tied to that specific piece of content, not to your account. If you encounter a show where fast forward is disabled even though you're on the Premium plan, that's a licensing restriction, and there's no way around it short of watching the content on a different platform that has different licensing terms.
These restrictions are most common on newer releases, sports content, and shows that air on traditional TV networks (like CBS, MTV, or Comedy Central shows). Older library content and original Paramount Plus series are less likely to have them.
Live TV and Sports Cannot Be Fast-Forwarded
Paramount Plus offers live TV and sports as part of some subscription packages. Live content streams in real time and cannot be fast-forwarded because there is no recording to skip ahead in—you're watching the broadcast as it happens. This is true for all streaming services, not just Paramount Plus.
If you want to watch a sports game or live event on your own schedule, you need to check whether Paramount Plus offers an on-demand replay or recording of that content after it airs. Many sports events are available on-demand the next day, and those recordings can usually be fast-forwarded normally (unless a licensing restriction applies).
How to Check Which Restriction Is Blocking Fast Forward
Before you assume the app is broken, determine which type of restriction you're hitting. First, check what subscription tier you're on by opening the app, going to your account settings, and looking at your plan name. If it says "with ads," you're on the ad-supported plan. If it says "Premium," you're on the ad-free plan.
Next, note what you're trying to watch. If it's a live broadcast, sports event, or news program, fast forward won't work because it's live. If it's on-demand content and you're on the ad-supported plan, try fast-forwarding during a non-ad section of the show (usually after the opening credits). If fast forward works there but not during ads, that's your answer.
If you're on the Premium plan and fast forward is disabled on on-demand content, the restriction is in the licensing agreement for that specific show or movie. Try fast-forwarding on a different show to confirm the app itself is working—if it works elsewhere, the problem is that particular content.
Troubleshooting a Fast-Forward Button That Appears Broken
Sometimes the fast-forward button looks like it should work but doesn't respond when you tap it. This is usually a temporary app glitch, not a restriction. The first step is to restart the Paramount Plus app completely: close it, wait 10 seconds, and reopen it. This clears the app's memory and often fixes unresponsive buttons.
If restarting the app doesn't work, check your internet connection. A weak or unstable connection can make the fast-forward button unresponsive even though the video is playing. Try moving closer to your router, or if you're on mobile data, switch to Wi-Fi and try again.
If the button is still unresponsive after restarting the app and checking your connection, try logging out of your account and logging back in. This refreshes your session and can fix persistent app problems. If none of these steps work, the issue may be a bug in your specific version of the app, and updating Paramount Plus to the latest version from your device's app store may help.
Upgrading to Premium to Remove Ad-Skipping Restrictions
If you're frustrated by not being able to skip ads, upgrading to Paramount Plus Premium is the only way to remove that restriction. The Premium plan costs more per month but removes all ads and restores fast forward during the parts of shows and movies that don't have licensing restrictions.
Keep in mind that upgrading will not remove restrictions on specific licensed content. If you upgrade and find that fast forward is still disabled on certain shows, that's a licensing restriction, not an ad restriction, and upgrading cannot change it.
Paramount Plus occasionally offers promotional pricing on the Premium plan, especially for new subscribers. Check the app or the Paramount Plus website to see if a discounted rate is available before you upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip ads on Paramount Plus without upgrading?
No. The ad-supported plan does not allow skipping or fast-forwarding through ads. The only way to remove ads entirely is to upgrade to the Premium plan. Some ads may be unskippable even on Premium if they appear before the content starts, but once the show or movie begins, you can fast-forward freely (unless a licensing restriction applies).
Why can I fast forward on some shows but not others?
If you're on the Premium plan, the difference is almost always a licensing restriction on the content you cannot fast-forward. Different studios and networks have different rules about how their content can be watched. Older shows and original Paramount Plus series are more likely to allow fast forward than newer releases or shows that air on traditional TV networks.
Does fast forward work on downloaded Paramount Plus content?
Yes, if you read a show or movie to watch offline, fast forward works the same way it does when streaming, subject to the same restrictions. If fast forward is disabled on the streaming version, it will be disabled on the downloaded version too.
Will restarting my device fix the fast-forward button?
Restarting the Paramount Plus app usually works better than restarting your device, but if the app restart doesn't help, restarting your phone, tablet, or streaming device can fix persistent app problems. Close the app completely, power off your device for 10 seconds, turn it back on, and reopen Paramount Plus.
Is there a way to contact Paramount Plus if fast forward is broken?
Yes. Open the Paramount Plus app, go to your account settings, and look for a "Help" or "Contact Support" option. You can describe the problem and include details about what content you're trying to watch, what device you're using, and what you've already tried. Support can confirm whether it's a restriction or a technical issue.