Google made a huge mistake by integrating podcasts into YouTube Music. This app has no idea what podcast listeners want. Stubbornly insist on prioritizing the video version of the podcast, even if you only want the audio. Videos consume battery and data. Additionally, Google already has a dedicated video app. It's called YouTube.
YouTube Music also severely limits your podcast selection. You can't add your favorite shows through an RSS feed, so you'll have to use Google's curated shows. You're trapped in Google's walled garden. That is, if you can find the podcasts hiding behind Spotify's blatant copy tabs. Let's be honest: Spotify's podcast experience isn't all that great.
YouTube Music over-prioritizes video podcasts
aftermarket audio
If I want to watch a podcast, the first thing I do is look at YouTube (I personally never do). But when you search for podcasts on YouTube Music, you get tons of video results. Even when a podcast is clearly audio-focused, the video version is often the focus. This feels completely backwards for us podcast fans. It sucks because you have to keep your phone screen on, which drains your battery while you're doing the dishes or driving.
You may also find audio-only versions buried in search results with a discreet “audio” label somewhere in the title. You can also toggle video podcast playback to only play the audio. However, these additional steps highlight the mismatch between the platform and the needs of podcast listeners. YouTube Music seems to be built with video as a priority, and pushing podcasts onto the platform just doesn't work.
Custom podcasts are not allowed here
YouTube Music removes viewing controls
I'm a huge history geek and listen to a lot of independent podcasts. Take the History Guild article as an example. Each comes with an audio transcription and a list of associated podcasts. However, I couldn't upload these to YouTube Music because custom podcast feeds aren't allowed. It's Google's way, or the highway.
Unlike dedicated podcast apps like PocketCast and Overcast, which allow you to add your own custom episodes through an RSS feed, Google wants viewers to rely on them as an option. This is Google's “Trust me” language, closely modeled after Spotify's treatment of podcasts, and I don't like it. These limitations take away the joy of discovery, which is central to the whole idea of podcasting. It also reveals platforms that don't view podcasts as a medium for listeners. Those are just thoughts.
Finding podcasts isn't always easy
YouTube Music hides your podcasts behind a small tab
Podcasts feel like YouTube Music's hidden secret. They're relegated to a separate, smaller box, shoved next to boxes that recommend different music genres. This disconnect makes it clear that podcasts are a low priority for the platform, further proving that YouTube Music is the wrong place for podcasts.
YouTube Music isn't alone in this neglect. Spotify also hides podcasts in a separate tab, but is working to make that tab more prominent. Both platforms' interfaces are difficult to use and feel unsuitable for browsing large podcast libraries. While Spotify is still primarily a music streaming service, YouTube Music wants to be a video platform much like YouTube.
Dedicated podcast apps are still best
Has all the features a listener needs
The important thing here is that you don't have to settle for substandard services from Google or Spotify. There are plenty of dedicated podcast apps out there, and they all do a great job of delivering podcasts to listeners. Some favorites include Pocket Casts, Overcast, and Podcast Addict to name a few.
The beauty of a dedicated podcast app is the community. If you spend time on podcast-related subreddits, you'll find active communities supporting your favorite apps. Many of these podcast apps are labors of love by a single developer or, at best, a small team. They don't try to control what you listen to or shape your tastes. Also, you are not subject to the whims of their ad-driven algorithms. You can listen at your own convenience.
YouTube Music is not a good place for podcasts
there are better options
YouTube Music sucks for podcasts. We understand that Google is trying to make YouTube a one-stop shop for all your audiovisual needs, but the way it handles podcasts isn't working. Video takes precedence over audio, options are limited, and podcasts are buried in a small tab among all the others. The good news is that Google has the resources and know-how to fix it. I know this because Google Podcasts was actually a pretty good dedicated podcast app, in my opinion.
And a dedicated podcast app where this medium really shines. They offer freedom, advanced features, and listener focus, all of which Google and Spotify don't seem to care about. If you're serious about podcasting, it's time to ditch the fake audience and embrace a platform specifically designed with you in mind. YouTube Music is not a great place for podcasts in its current format.
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