Launched in 2018, the Google Podcasts application aimed to compete with already well-established podcast platforms. However, as of September 2023, Google announced the scheduled end of its service, encouraging its users to migrate to YouTube Music, which now integrates the functionalities of Google Podcasts. In the United States, this transition was effective from April 2, 2024. Internationally, the complete closure of Google Podcasts was scheduled for June 23.
The planned end of Google Podcasts
The transition to YouTube Music isn’t without its bumps, though. While the app has integrated several features from Google Podcasts, it still lacks some essential functions like new episode notifications and the “marked as read” option. Google assures that its users, whether in the United States or elsewhere, will be able to transfer their Google Podcasts subscriptions to YouTube Music until July 29, 2024.
However, users regret the disappearance of Google Podcasts because of the simplicity and effectiveness of its interface. Many are hoping that YouTube Music will quickly receive major updates to address the current gaps. The missing features are essential for podcast listeners who are entitled to the best possible experience!
Google Podcasts thus joins the sad “graveyard” of applications and services abandoned by Google, a non-exhaustive list brought together by the “Killed By Google” site. Notable apps that have suffered the same fate include Google Reader, Google Plus, and more recently, Google One VPN. This recurring phenomenon reflects Google’s strategy, which does not hesitate to abandon less profitable projects or to redirect its efforts towards more promising services.
The demise of Google Podcasts was certainly anticipated, but it leaves a bitter taste for its loyal users. Many people consider this application to be a valuable alternative in the podcast universe, now dominated by a few big players. Google must now prove that YouTube Music can not only take over, but also improve the user experience to meet expectations.
While there are alternatives to Google Podcasts, most third-party apps are either paid or full of ads. That’s not a great idea!
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