Google Podcasts to Shut Down in 2024 as YouTube Music Becomes Focus for Podcasts
In a significant shift in its podcast strategy, Google has announced the discontinuation of Google Podcasts in 2024. Instead, the tech giant is planning to enhance YouTube Music as the primary platform for podcasters and listeners alike.
YouTube revealed its intention to boost the podcast experience on YouTube Music next year. As part of this initiative, Google Podcasts, which first launched in 2018, will be phased out. Google cites the platform’s declining popularity compared to YouTube, where approximately 23% of weekly podcast users in the U.S. identify YouTube as their most frequently used service, compared to just 4% for Google Podcasts, according to Edison Research.
To ease the transition for Google Podcasts users, the company plans to provide a “simple migration tool” and the ability to add podcast RSS feeds to their YouTube Music library. Users will also be able to transfer their show subscriptions to a compatible podcast-listening app. For podcast creators, YouTube Music promises to deliver “robust creation and analytics tools,” along with the ability to upload via RSS. The company intends to expand podcast accessibility, ensuring listeners can enjoy content “in the background, in the car, offline, and more.”
Google emphasized its commitment to making the migration from Google Podcasts to YouTube Music as smooth as possible, pledging to release migration tools and clear guidelines once they are ready.
Earlier this year, YouTube introduced the ability to watch and listen to podcasts on YouTube Music in the U.S. without requiring a paid membership. This offering includes access to downloads, background play, compatibility with smart speakers, and the flexibility to switch between audio and video podcasts. Google aims to make podcasts on YouTube Music globally available by the end of 2023.
Furthermore, Google promises to introduce new “YouTube-only” features to podcasts on YouTube Music, spanning community engagement, content discovery, and the seamless transition between audio and video formats.
Google is optimistic about these changes, focusing on creating an exceptional product and a unified destination that benefits creators, artists, and podcast fans. The company reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and pledged to communicate future developments to users and podcasters effectively.
While these shifts will require time and adaptation, Google assures users that, for now, they will retain access to YouTube, YouTube Music, and Google Podcasts. Stay tuned for more updates on this transition in the coming months.
