Key Highlights
- Google Podcasts is closing down, starting in the US
- Users should transfer their subscriptions to YouTube Music or another service
- Google plans to improve podcast experience on YouTube Music by 2024
Google Podcasts, a popular app with over 500 million downloads on the Play Store, will no longer be available for streaming in the US starting from April 2. Last year, Google announced the closure of Google Podcasts through a blog post, as the company wanted to focus more on audio and video podcasts via YouTube Music. Although the app is shutting down in the US, it will stop functioning for users in other parts of the world by later this year. Also Read | Google’s Big Shift: What’s Really Happening To Gmail In August 2024?
Why Google Podcasts Is Closing?
Google has been sending reminders via in-app notifications and has also placed a warning on the app’s home page, urging users to transfer their data to YouTube Music or another podcast service.
How To Transfer Your Subscriptions To YouTube Music?
To transfer your Google Podcast subscriptions to YouTube Music, follow these steps:
Step 1: Launch the Google Podcasts app on your Android or iOS device.
Step 2: Click on the Home tab.
Step 3: Look for the Google Podcasts app shutdown notification.
Step 4: Click on “Export Subscriptions.”
Step 5: Select “Export to YouTube Music” under the Export Subscriptions option.
Step 6: You will be redirected to the YouTube Music app and asked to choose a Gmail account.
Step 7: Once selected, your subscriptions will be added to the YouTube Music app.
Note that it may take some time for all your subscriptions to be transferred.
Content Migration
However, not all podcasts you listen to will be migrated to the YouTube Music app. Some users might encounter a “Content is unavailable” message in certain cases. You can manually add a podcast by entering the show’s RSS feed link.
Also Read | Google’s Latest Math Solver App ‘Photomath’ Hits Play Store: Key Features
Google’s Future Plans
Google explained its decision to discontinue the Google Podcasts app in a blog post, citing increased investment in the podcast experience on YouTube Music. The aim is to enhance the platform for both fans and podcasters by offering unique YouTube-only features related to discovery, community, and audio/visual switching by 2024.
Conclusion
With Google Podcasts shutting down, it’s important to transfer your subscriptions to YouTube Music or another podcast service. Follow the steps provided to ensure you don’t lose access to your favorite shows.
