Google Podcasts will be shutting down in the US on April 2, 2024, but users will still have until July to migrate their subscriptions to another service. The migration process allows users to export their subscriptions directly to YouTube Music or download them in OPML format to transfer to another podcast app. Google’s decision to integrate Google Podcasts with YouTube Music comes as a response to the success of other companies, such as Spotify and Amazon, who have seen growth by combining podcasts with music streaming services. YouTube Music already offers podcasts and will continue to do so, providing users with a seamless transition from Google Podcasts.
The integration of Google Podcasts with YouTube Music marks the end of a six-year journey for the podcast platform, which first launched in 2018. Initially focused on Google Assistant integration and personalized recommendations based on listening habits, Google Podcasts became one of the most popular podcast apps with over 500 million downloads on the Google Play Store. The decision to discontinue Google Podcasts in favor of YouTube Music aligns with the evolving landscape of podcast consumption, where companies are finding success by combining podcasts with music streaming services.
To migrate your subscriptions from Google Podcasts, you can choose to export them directly to YouTube Music or download them in OPML format. By following a few simple steps within the Google Podcasts app, users can seamlessly transfer their subscriptions to a new platform of their choice. YouTube Music offers a free podcast listening experience, allowing users to enjoy podcasts on-demand, offline, and in the background. The app also allows users to switch between audio and video versions of podcasts, providing a diverse listening experience.
While Google Podcasts will officially shut down in the US on April 2, users will have until July to complete their migration process. Google has not announced an official shutdown date for the rest of the world, but it is expected to happen sometime in 2024. The decision to discontinue Google Podcasts is part of Google’s strategy to consolidate its podcast offerings and integrate them into YouTube Music. By aligning with industry trends and user preferences, Google aims to provide a seamless podcast listening experience for its users.
In conclusion, users of Google Podcasts will need to migrate their subscriptions to a new platform before the service shuts down on April 2. By exporting subscriptions to YouTube Music or downloading them in OPML format, users can ensure a smooth transition to a new podcast app of their choice. With YouTube Music offering free podcast listening features and a seamless integration with Google Podcasts, users can continue to enjoy their favorite podcasts without disruption. Google’s decision to discontinue Google Podcasts in favor of YouTube Music reflects the changing landscape of podcast consumption and aligns with industry trends in podcast hosting and distribution.
