On September 26, 2023, Google announced that it will be discontinuing its standalone podcast app, Google Podcasts, in 2024. The company will instead be consolidating its podcasting efforts on YouTube Music, which will become its “centralized podcast destination.”
In a blog post, Google explained that it sees “the potential in podcasts” and believes that the spoken audio format is “only growing.” The company also noted that many podcasters are already using YouTube for video versions of their content.
Google said that it will provide users with a simple migration tool to transfer their podcast subscriptions and listening history to YouTube Music. Users will also be able to add podcast RSS feeds to their YouTube Music library, including shows not currently hosted by YouTube.
For those who prefer a different listening platform, Google said that users will also be able to download an OPML file of their show subscriptions, which they can then upload to another podcast app.
Google Podcasts will continue to function normally until it is discontinued in 2024.
Related: Best Podcast Apps for Android in 2023
Why is Google discontinuing Google Podcasts?
Google has not explicitly stated why it is discontinuing Google Podcasts. However, there are a few possible explanations.
First, it is possible that Google is simply streamlining its podcasting efforts. By consolidating its podcasting efforts on YouTube Music, Google can focus on developing a single, unified podcasting experience for its users.
Second, it is also possible that Google is hoping to capitalize on the popularity of YouTube Music. YouTube Music is already a popular streaming service for music, and Google may be hoping that by adding podcasts to YouTube Music, it can attract more users to the platform.
Related: Google Podcasts: How to Use Google’s Podcast App
What does this mean for Google Podcasts users?
If you are a Google Podcasts user, you will need to migrate your podcast subscriptions and listening history to YouTube Music before Google Podcasts is discontinued in 2024.
To do this, you can use the migration tool that Google will provide. This tool will automatically transfer your subscriptions and listening history to YouTube Music.
If you prefer not to use YouTube Music, you can also download an OPML file of your show subscriptions from Google Podcasts. You can then upload this file to another podcast app to import your subscriptions.
What are the alternatives to Google Podcasts?
There are many other podcast apps available, both on Android and iOS devices. Some popular alternatives to Google Podcasts include:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Overcast
- Pocket Casts
- Castbox
We do have a couple of alternatives that you could leverage depending on your choice of operating system. Please check out the following blog posts.
Related:
- Twitter Integrates Podcasts in a Newly Redesigned Spaces Tab
- 3 Best Podcast Apps for Ubuntu Linux in 2021
- Your Guide to Using the Apple Podcast App
YouTube Music Availability
YouTube Music is not available in all countries and regions due to a variety of factors, including copyright restrictions, music streaming licensing agreements, and local regulations.
If you are unable to access YouTube Music in your country or region, you may be able to use a VPN to connect to a server in a country where YouTube Music is available. However, it is important to note that using a VPN may violate the terms of service of your internet provider or mobile carrier.
Additionally, YouTube Music Premium is available in all countries and regions where YouTube Music is available, with the exception of South Korea. YouTube Music is available in over 100 countries and regions. Here is the list.
Wrapping Up!
The discontinuation of Google Podcasts is a major change in the podcasting landscape. However, it is important to note that Google is not abandoning podcasting altogether. Instead, the company is consolidating its podcasting efforts on YouTube Music.
Google Podcasts users will need to migrate their podcast subscriptions and listening history to YouTube Music before Google Podcasts is discontinued in 2024. There are many other podcast apps available, so users who do not want to use YouTube Music have other options.
Do give us feedback in the comment section about this move by Google to focus more on YouTube.
