Google Podcasts is shutting down in late 2024, with Google shifting its focus to YouTube Music. The company announced the decision in a blog post, stating that it wants to make YouTube Music a better place for podcast fans.
Google Podcasts was launched in 2018, and it offered a way for users to listen to a library of podcasts for free. However, the app faced stiff competition from other podcasting platforms, such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts. In April 2023, Google began letting users in the U.S. listen to podcasts on YouTube Music for free. This move was seen as a sign that Google was preparing to discontinue Google Podcasts.
Google says it will help podcasts users and podcasters move over to YouTube Music by providing migration tools and support. If you’re an existing user, you’ll be able to use a simple migration tool or add your podcast RSS feeds to YouTube Music. You can also download an OPML file of your show subscriptions and upload it to another podcast app, if you prefer.
For podcasters, Google is providing tools to create and analyze their podcasts. They can also upload their RSS feed to YouTube Music, so their podcasts will be available to everyone who already uses the service. Google says it will ask users for feedback in the next few months to make sure the transition process is as smooth as possible. It also plans to release clear instructions when the tools are ready. The company also promised that it will make podcasts available within YouTube Music globally before the end of 2023.
There are a few reasons why Google is shutting down Google Podcasts. First, the company wants to make YouTube Music a one-stop shop for all audio content. YouTube Music is already one of the leading music streaming apps, and Google hopes to make it the go-to platform for podcasts as well. Second, Google Podcasts was facing stiff competition from other podcasting platforms, such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts. These platforms have a larger user base and offer more features than Google Podcasts. Third, Google Podcasts was not profitable. The app relied on advertising revenue, but it was not able to generate enough revenue to cover its costs.
If you’re a podcaster, you’ll need to move your podcast to YouTube Music if you want to continue reaching a large audience. Google says it will provide tools and support to help podcasters make the transition. If you’re a podcast listener, you’ll need to migrate to YouTube Music if you want to continue listening to your favorite podcasts. Google says it will provide tools and support to help listeners make the transition.
Google’s decision to shut down Google Podcasts is a sign that the company is serious about bringing its fight to Spotify in the podcast race. YouTube Music is already one of the leading music streaming apps, and it has a good head start. Google hopes to make the platform the one-stop shop for all audio content, including podcasts.
It remains to be seen whether podcasters and listeners will embrace YouTube Music as their go-to platform for podcasts. However, Google’s decision to shut down Google Podcasts is a clear indication that the company is committed to making YouTube Music a major player in the podcasting space.
All information researched from various platforms for factual reporting purposes only.
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