Ahead of the Google Podcast App shutdown scheduled for April 1, here are a few alternatives to continue streaming their favourite podcasts.

New Delhi: In a recent announcement, American tech giant Google revealed that it is shutting down its Podcasts app, with users being urged to migrate their subscriptions and data to YouTube Music by April 2, 2024. Despite the app having over 500 million downloads globally, Google is proceeding with its plan to centralise its audio services under the YouTube (Music) platform.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to continue streaming your favourite podcasts after the app is discontinued.

Google Podcast To Discontinue From April 2

Google has announced that it is shutting down its Podcasts app in the United States, with users being urged to migrate their subscriptions and data to YouTube Music by April 2, 2024. Here are a few key points about the Google Podcasts app shutdown:

• The app will no longer allow users in the U.S. to stream podcasts after April 2, but they will have until July to export their subscriptions.
• Google is sending in-app notifications to U.S. users informing them of the deadline and recommending migration to YouTube Music
• Despite having over 500 million downloads globally, only 4% of U.S. podcast listeners use the Google Podcasts app
• Google believes it doesn’t need a separate app for podcasts and wants to invest its resources into YouTube Music as a single platform for both music and podcasts.
• The move aligns with user behaviour data showing higher podcast engagement on YouTube compared to the Podcasts app.

How To Stream After Google Podcasts Is Shut Down

For all podcast lovers who thoroughly enjoyed tuning into the podcasts in the app, there are still ways to make the most out of this situation. Here are some alternate ways to continue listening to podcasts after April 2, 2024:

1. Migrate to YouTube Music

   • Google is encouraging users to transfer their subscriptions and data to YouTube Music.
   • Select the export subscriptions option in the Google Podcasts app and transfer the data to YouTube Music.
   • Note that not all podcasts may be available on YouTube Music, but can be saved using RSS feed links.

2. Use alternative podcast apps

   • There are numerous popular podcast apps available, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, and Pocket Casts.
   • To migrate subscriptions to these apps, users can download an OPML file from Google Podcasts or use Google Takeout.
   • Most podcast apps support importing OPML files, which contain a list of subscribed shows.

3. Subscribe directly to podcast RSS feeds

   • Users can find the RSS feed URL for their favorite podcasts on the show’s website or by searching for the podcast name followed by “RSS feed.”
   • Copying and pasting the RSS feed URL into a podcast app or RSS reader will allow users to subscribe directly to the show.

4. Explore podcast streaming websites

   • Some websites, such as Podchaser and Podcast Addict, allow users to stream podcasts directly from their web browsers without needing to download an app.
   • Engage with podcasts on YouTube.
   • Many podcasters upload their episodes to YouTube, which can be a convenient way to watch or listen to content.
   • Subscribing to a podcast’s YouTube channel will notify users when new episodes are available.

While the shutdown of Google Podcasts may be inconvenient for some users, these numerous alternative ways can help users continue streaming their favourite podcasts.