Google has decided to make YouTube Music the ultimate destination for podcast users by incorporating podcast content and utilizing a recommendation system and back catalog for content discovery. With podcasts now available on YouTube Music globally, users can watch, listen, add episodes to the play queue, and access offline without a Premium subscription.
To further enhance its podcast offerings, Google has discontinued its dedicated service Google Podcasts in the United States, with plans to cease international operations on June 2. The platform now supports subscribing to podcasts via RSS, private RSS feeds in the library, and improved listening experiences on Android Auto.
YouTube Music has redesigned its algorithms to offer seamless content discovery for both creators and listeners, aiming to become the definitive destination for the podcasting community. The platform emphasizes the visual component of podcasts, enhancing the traditional audio consumption with creative visuals that complement the content.
Google is considering incorporating artificial intelligence for creating background visuals for podcasts. However, the focus remains on the recommendation system and extensive YouTube back catalog, providing users and creators with access to new and old content. With these enhancements, Google aims to make YouTube Music a preferred destination for podcast creators and listeners.