Google is closing its Podcasts app in the U.S. very soon. Users are being advised to transfer their subscriptions to YouTube Music by April 2 in order to continue following and streaming their favorite shows. Users who delay the migration will still have time to move over, but will lose the ability to stream from the Podcasts app directly after April 2.
The Google Podcasts app, which has been installed over 500 million times on Android devices globally, has provided a simple interface for finding, following, and listening to podcasts for over five years. Unfortunately, Google announced last September that it plans to phase out the Podcasts app in early 2024 as part of its strategy to consolidate its audio services under YouTube.
In 2020, YouTube Music successfully transitioned music listeners away from Google Play Music prior to its shutdown. The Podcasts app continued to be supported until recently, as YouTube Music required time to fully integrate podcast support. By the end of 2023, YouTube Music was ready to globally support podcasts and enabled users to upload their RSS feeds by February.
This move to shift podcasting to YouTube could position Google as a major player in the space by consolidating its efforts and capitalizing on the growing interest in video podcasts. Spotify recently struck a deal with Universal Music Group to bring video podcasts to U.S. users, following tests in 11 other markets around the world.
Bleeping Computer first reported the shutdown date for Google Podcasts in the U.S. A support page on Google’s site confirms that U.S. users will only have access to the Podcasts app until the end of March 2024. Users who miss the notifications can export their subscriptions until July 2024.
Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but according to earlier statements, Google Podcasts will be discontinued in 2024.
