Google Podcasts is shutting down soon, users urged to move to YouTube Music

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction

  2. Migration to YouTube Music

  3. Transition to YouTube

  4. Impact on the Podcasting Industry

  5. Shut Down Date

  6. FAQs

Introduction

Google has announced that it will be shutting down its Podcasts app in the U.S. in a matter of days. This decision comes as part of the company’s plan to centralize its audio services under YouTube. Over the past few years, the Podcasts app has been a popular choice for Android users to discover and listen to podcasts, but now users will need to migrate their subscriptions to YouTube Music to continue enjoying their favorite shows.

Migration to YouTube Music

Google is urging Podcasts app users to migrate their subscriptions to YouTube Music by April 2 in order to seamlessly continue following and streaming their favorite podcasts. Users who do not make the move immediately will still have additional time to migrate, but they will no longer be able to stream from the Podcasts app directly after April 2. The transition process is simple and can be done within the YouTube Music app.

Transition to YouTube

YouTube Music has been preparing to support podcasts globally since the end of 2023, and by February, users gained the ability to upload their RSS feeds as well. The move to shift podcasting over to YouTube not only consolidates Google’s audio services but also positions the platform to become a bigger player in the podcasting space. Video podcasts, which are already popular on YouTube, are on the rise, and this transition could attract more creators and listeners to the platform.

Impact on the Podcasting Industry

The decision to discontinue the Podcasts app globally in 2024 could have significant implications for the podcasting industry. As more platforms like Spotify delve into video podcasting, Google’s move to centralize its audio services under YouTube could reshape the landscape of podcast consumption. It will be interesting to see how creators and listeners adapt to this change and whether it will lead to more innovation in the industry.

Shut Down Date

Bleeping Computer was the first to notice the shutdown date for Google Podcasts in the U.S. Google has confirmed that users in the U.S. will only be able to use the Podcasts app through the end of March 2024. After this date, users can still export their subscriptions using the app’s export feature until July 2024. The timeline for the rest of the world has not been shared yet, but Google is tracking towards discontinuing the app globally in 2024.

FAQs

1. Why is Google shutting down the Podcasts app?

Google is shutting down the Podcasts app as part of its plan to centralize its audio services under YouTube.

2. How can users migrate their subscriptions to YouTube Music?

Users can migrate their subscriptions to YouTube Music by April 2 to continue following and streaming their favorite podcasts.

3. Will users still be able to access their subscriptions after the shutdown date?

Users will no longer be able to stream from the Podcasts app directly after April 2, but they can still export their subscriptions using the app’s export feature until July 2024.

4. What impact will this decision have on the podcasting industry?

The transition to YouTube could attract more creators and listeners to the platform, reshaping the landscape of podcast consumption and potentially leading to more innovation in the industry.