Once a staple for audio content enthusiasts with over 500 million downloads, Google Podcasts is closing its doors. Starting April 2, streaming services will cease in the US, and a global shutdown will follow later this year. This move is part of Google's strategic pivot to enhance the podcast listening experience on YouTube Music, reflecting a broader vision for an integrated audio and video podcast ecosystem.
In anticipation of the app's discontinuation, Google has been proactively notifying users through in-app alerts and homepage warnings, advising them to transition their podcast subscriptions to YouTube Music or another preferred podcast platform. Despite the shutdown, the Google Podcasts app will remain available for download on both the Play Store and Apple Store until July 2024, offering users ample time to export their data.
Google's decision to sunset the Podcasts app is rooted in an ambitious plan to expand and enrich the podcast experience on YouTube Music. In a revealing blog post, Google outlined its commitment to leveraging YouTube's unique capabilities in community engagement, content discovery, and seamless audio/visual content consumption to offer an unparalleled podcasting platform by 2024.
For users looking to migrate their podcast subscriptions to YouTube Music, here is a concise guide:
1. Launch the Google Podcasts app on your Android or iOS device and access the Home tab.
2. Tap on the prominently shutdown notification on the app’s homepage to begin the export process.
3. To initiate the transfer, Select the 'Export Subscriptions' option and 'Export to YouTube Music.'
4. You will be redirected to the YouTube Music app to choose a Gmail account to import your subscriptions. Please note the transfer may take a few moments to complete.
It's essential to remember that only some podcasts on Google Podcasts may be available on YouTube Music immediately. Users encountering a 'Content is unavailable' message can manually subscribe to podcasts by directly inputting the show’s RSS feed link.
For those preferring an alternative podcast platform, transferring subscriptions requires downloading an OPML file through Google Takeout. This process is slightly more involved but one that ensures continuity in podcast listening habits.
As Google Podcasts transitions to YouTube Music, users are encouraged to migrate their subscriptions promptly to continue enjoying their favourite shows without interruption. This shift signifies Google's dedication to creating a richer, more interconnected podcast ecosystem within YouTube Music, promising an exciting future for podcast aficionados worldwide.
Comments