Google Podcasts Bids Farewell, Migrates Users to YouTube Music
In a move that may not come as a surprise to those familiar with Google’s history of discontinuing services, the tech giant has recently announced the end of its Google Podcasts app in the United States. The app, which has been part of the Google ecosystem for some time, will continue to be available to users outside the US until June 2024, at which point it will be retired globally.
Originally launched as Google Play Music Podcasts, Google Podcasts has undergone numerous enhancements over the years. It has delighted users with a more intuitive interface and convenient features such as cross-device playback continuity and the option to add podcast subscriptions using an RSS feed.
However, in a strategic shift, Google Podcasts is now set to be integrated within the YouTube platform. Google is actively encouraging users to transfer their podcast subscriptions to YouTube Music. For those who may prefer alternative platforms, Google provides the option to export subscriptions as an OPML file. This can be done through a notification prompt within the app or by utilizing Google’s Takeout service to email the subscription list to oneself. It is worth noting that at the time of reporting, the export feature was not operational via the app in India, though experiences may differ elsewhere.
Google is ensuring a smooth transition by allowing subscription migration until the 29th of July, 2024. Users should be aware that some podcasts might not be immediately available on YouTube Music due to varying content libraries.
With the closure of Google Podcasts, the service joins an extensive portfolio of discontinued Google applications. Curious individuals can explore the full array of decommissioned projects at ‘Killed by Google’, an open-source repository that chronicles the company’s phased-out initiatives. As the tech world reacts to this latest development, users are invited to share their thoughts on Google’s decision and their preferred podcast platforms in the comments.
