Google has made YouTube Music the go-to platform for podcast users by combining podcast content with a recommendation system and extensive back catalog for content discovery. Podcasts have been available on YouTube Music globally since late last year, allowing users to watch, listen, add episodes to their playlist, and access offline without a Premium subscription.
In an effort to enhance its podcast offerings, Google has decided to discontinue its dedicated service Google Podcasts in the United States on June 2nd. The platform now supports subscribing to podcasts via RSS feeds and private feeds in the library, as well as improved listening experiences on Android Auto.
YouTube Music has redesigned its algorithms to provide seamless content discovery for both creators and listeners, aiming to become the ultimate destination for the podcasting community. The platform emphasizes the visual component of podcasts, complementing traditional audio consumption with creative visuals that enhance the listening experience.
Google is also considering incorporating artificial intelligence into creating background visuals for podcasts. However, the focus remains on improving the recommendation system and utilizing the vast YouTube back catalog, providing users and creators with access to new and old content alike. With these enhancements, Google aims to make YouTube Music a preferred destination for both podcast creators and listeners.