Google pulls the plug on its Podcasts app in the U.S., prompting users to hop over to YouTube Music before April 2 for uninterrupted podcast streaming. The clock is ticking for loyal listeners as the tech giant transitions its audio services under the YouTube umbrella.
With over 500 million installs globally, Google Podcasts has been a faithful companion for podcast enthusiasts for over five years, offering a user-friendly platform for discovering and enjoying shows. However, last September, Google announced plans to phase out the Podcasts app to consolidate its audio offerings.
The migration to YouTube Music marks a strategic move for Google, capitalizing on the rising popularity of video podcasts. By integrating podcasts into YouTube’s ecosystem, Google aims to carve a larger presence in the podcasting realm. Spotify’s recent partnership with Universal Music Group to introduce video podcasts to U.S. users underscores the growing significance of visual podcast content.
While the shutdown date looms, Google reassures users with an extension to export their subscriptions until July 2024. Although the transition is set for the U.S., Google remains tight-lipped about the timeline for global shutdowns, indicating a broader phase-out plan for Google Podcasts worldwide in 2024.
