Google, which recently signed the death warrant for the basic HTML version of Gmail, has now included the Podcasts service among the services that will soon be unavailable. Instead, the company will focus on offering podcast access through YouTube Music starting next year.
However, we cannot say that this change is a complete surprise. In April, Google launched the ability for users in the US to listen to podcasts on YouTube Music without a paid membership. It also allows users to listen to podcasts offline and in the background, as well as switch between audio and video versions in YouTube Music. As part of its podcast push, YouTube also announced that it will make podcasts available globally on YouTube Music before the end of 2023.
Google Podcasts, which first launched on Android in 2018, offered users a way to listen to a library of podcasts for free as well as get personalized recommendations. Google revamped the app design in 2020 and later launched an iOS version. The service is also available on the web, Windows and macOS.
“As we look towards 2024, we will increase our investment in the podcast experience on YouTube Music; With YouTube-specific features around community, discovery, and audio/visual crossover, we’ll make it a better overall destination for fans and podcasters alike. “In late 2024, we will retire Google Podcasts as part of this process.”
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