Google Launches Migration Tool for Google Podcasts Ahead of Scheduled 2024 Shutdown
In a significant development, Google has announced that it will be shutting down its standalone podcasts app, Google Podcasts, sometime next year. The company has now launched a migration tool that will allow U.S. users to shift their existing podcast subscriptions over to YouTube Music, which will become the new home for podcasts.
The End of an Era: Google Podcasts to Shut Down in April 2024
While the discontinuation of Google Podcasts is still months away, the company has provided a clear timeline for the shutdown. U.S. users will be able to listen to their podcasts in the app through March 2024. Although the app will be discontinued in April 2024, users will still be able to migrate or export subscriptions through July 2024.
Migration Tool Now Available: Export Subscriptions to YouTube Music
The new migration tool will appear in the app in the weeks ahead, displayed as a banner at the top of the screen. Users can follow these steps to export their subscriptions:
- Click on ‘Export Subscriptions’ at the top of the screen
- Under ‘Export to YouTube Music,’ tap ‘Export’
- If you don’t have the YouTube Music app installed, you’ll be prompted to install it at this time
- After reading the disclosure, tap ‘Continue’ to complete the migration process
For users who prefer not to migrate their subscriptions to YouTube Music, an option to export subscriptions to an OPML file will also be provided. This file can be uploaded into any other third-party podcast app that supports uploads.
Consolidating Efforts: Google’s Audio Streaming Strategy
Google has been working to make YouTube more of a destination for podcasts for some time. The company launched a dedicated podcasts homepage last year and announced plans in February to bring podcasts to YouTube Music, its Spotify and Apple Music rival. By consolidating its efforts in the audio streaming market, Google aims to combine listenership spread across multiple apps.
The Future of Podcasts on YouTube Music
YouTube notes that many popular podcasts are already available on YouTube, including New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce and Murder, Mystery & Makeup with Bailey Sarian. With the migration tool in place, listeners will also be able to add shows directly to their YouTube Music library via the podcast’s RSS feed.
Support for Podcasters: RSS Uploads Coming Soon
YouTube itself is aiming to support RSS uploads for podcasters, as previously announced. This feature will enable podcasters to upload their episodes directly to YouTube Music, making it easier for listeners to discover and access new content.
What’s Next: Features and Updates for Podcasts on YouTube Music
To support podcasts on YouTube Music, the company has already added features like:
- Podcast ‘shelves’: Easily accessible shelves that display available episodes
- RSS feeds: Automatic downloads of new episodes
- Listening experience: A seamless listening experience where you can jump back in where you left off
Later updates will include a ‘mark as listened’ option, allowing listeners to track their progress and revisit favorite episodes.
Timeline for Google Podcasts Shutdown
To summarize, here’s the timeline for the shutdown of Google Podcasts:
- April 2024: Official discontinuation of Google Podcasts
- July 2024: Users will still be able to migrate or export subscriptions
As Google continues to evolve its audio streaming strategy, users can expect more exciting features and updates on YouTube Music.
