This phenomenon can actually occur for a few reasons, largely driven by the complex infrastructure and business interests that power streaming services and digital advertising:
Ad Targeting and Algorithms: Online platforms use sophisticated algorithms to select ads based on user data such as browsing history, location, language preferences, and more. If there’s any inconsistency in your user profile data, the algorithm might deliver ads that are in a different language.
Content Licensing and Localization: Some streaming services mix international content or program blocks. Hence, their ad partners might also be international, meaning you might see ads in other languages.
Dynamic Ad Insertion (DAI): Many streaming services now use DAI, which injects targeted ads into a stream. Networks can set these ads based on their inventory and audience reach ambitions, prioritizing language based on demand rather than strict user’s preferences.
VPN and Proxy Usage: If you use a VPN or proxy to access content, it might make the service think you are located in another region, causing ads in that region’s language to be displayed.
Default Settings and Accidental Changes: Sometimes, ads showing up in a different language could simply be a matter of incorrect or reset settings. This may happen if you’ve used the platform in a different language momentarily or due to an app update that resets preferences.
To mitigate this, you can double-check your account settings, and language preferences and ensure your device’s IP address matches your actual geographical location (if not using a VPN for region-specific content). If the issue persists, contacting customer support for the specific platform may help.
