As of April 2, 2024, Google has officially retired Google Podcasts and shifted its focus to creating a more integrated and rich podcast experience on YouTube Music. The move comes after Google announced earlier this year its intention to provide podcast creators and listeners with a centralized platform that combines the best of music and podcasting in one place. For fans and creators alike, this change means a new chapter in accessing and sharing content across both audio and video formats.
With Google Podcasts being retired in the US, users are encouraged to migrate their subscriptions to YouTube Music by July 2024 to maintain access to their favorite podcasts. Google Podcasts has long been the go-to for free podcast subscriptions, downloads for offline playback, and syncing across devices. These features have greatly improved the user's listening experience.
Important considerations before migration
Google has spent nearly a year developing a system designed to provide a seamless experience across YouTube and YouTube Music, ensuring an easy transition process for users. If you don't migrate by the deadline, you risk losing your podcast.
Migration process
To begin the migration, users have a tool available through the banner at the top of the Google Podcasts screen. Additionally, users are provided with an overview of the process of transferring their subscriptions to YouTube.
Podcasts can be exported as OPML files and uploaded to compatible podcast apps. This migration tool is created to facilitate a smooth transition for both listeners and podcasters.
According to a YouTube blog post, a number of popular Google podcasts are already available on YouTube. Listeners who aren't already on the platform have the option to add shows directly to their YouTube Music library using the podcast's RSS feed.
Google reassures podcasters that this new endeavor will not only open the door to new audiences, but also introduce innovative features. These include new analytics tools, RSS feed upload to YouTube, and additional benefits designed to enrich your podcasting experience.
How to export Google Podcasts to YouTube Music
The export process is easy. Make sure you're logged in to your account and go to the Google Podcasts app. The migration tool at the top of the screen includes an “Export Subscription” option.
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If you didn't find this option before, it's worth checking again as Google continues to improve the migration process. This update was officially announced on December 18th, demonstrating our continued efforts to improve the user experience.
Please follow the steps below carefully.
- visit Google Podcasts app
- select export Under the “Export to YouTube Music” option
- select transfer on the app
- select Continue
- select go to the library Once the transfer is complete, view your subscription.
Google recognizes that migrating your podcasts can take some time and recommends that you be patient with the process of migrating your subscription to YouTube Music. Therefore, it is best to hold tight and wait for the process to unfold.
Important points to remember
- Currently, the ability to export Google Podcasts to YouTube Music is only available in the US. The timeline for when this feature will be available globally is still unclear. Users outside the United States have reported not seeing this option despite using the latest versions of both applications.
- For US users, the Google Podcasts deadline is April 2, 2024. At this time, this deadline does not affect users in other countries. However, some industry experts speculate that Google Podcasts' end date may eventually apply worldwide.
- If you see a “Content not available” message, it means that not all of your podcasts are distributed to YouTube Music. If you can't find your favorite podcast, you can add it to your YouTube Music library using the podcast's RSS feed link.
final thoughts
Google has a history of discontinuing services much to the dismay of users. Many fans have expressed that they miss Google Podcasts' rich library, easy controls, and sleek interface. Nevertheless, Google claims that by integrating podcasts into YouTube Music, it aims to strengthen the platform and make it a more inclusive hub for both listeners and podcast creators.
