Google has announced that it will be discontinuing Google Podcasts in 2024, consolidating its podcasting efforts into YouTube Music. Here’s what you need to know about this transition:

End of Google Podcasts

Google is phasing out its dedicated podcasting app, Google Podcasts, with plans to discontinue the service in 2024.

YouTube Music as the Future

YouTube Music will become Google’s primary podcasting app and service. Podcasts in YouTube Music will see significant updates, with full global availability expected before the end of 2023. Currently, it’s accessible in the United States, Canada, and Latin America.

Migrating Subscriptions

A “simple migration tool” will facilitate the transfer of your existing podcast subscriptions from Google Podcasts to YouTube Music. Users will also have the ability to add podcasts through RSS feeds, including shows not hosted on YouTube. Google will provide an export option in the form of an “OPML file of their show subscriptions,” compatible with other podcast players.

Changes for Podcast Creators

YouTube will allow podcast creators to upload content via RSS feeds, eliminating the need for a video version.

Gathering Feedback

Over the coming weeks and months, Google will gather feedback to streamline the migration process from Google Podcasts to YouTube Music, ensuring it’s as straightforward as possible.

Continued Access

In the meantime, users will retain access to YouTube, YouTube Music, and Google Podcasts. Google is committed to transparent communication about future changes and will share more details about the transition process in the months ahead.

Enhancing Podcast Experience

In 2024, Google will boost its investment in the podcasting experience on YouTube Music. This includes introducing YouTube-exclusive features related to community engagement, content discovery, and seamless audio/visual transitions, creating a more comprehensive destination for podcast fans and creators alike.