Google shutting down Podcasts app in the US from tomorrow; Here's what you need to know

Sundar Pichai-led technology giant Google, which has been facing tough competition from Microsoft and OpenAI in the AI segment, is shutting down its Podcasts app in the US, effective April 2nd. 

This means that the Google Podcasts users will no longer be able to use it to stream their favourite shows from April 2. However, they will have until July 2024 to migrate their data to another application.

The service's closure is part of a broader strategy to consolidate audio services under the YouTube Music platform. It's worth mentioning that the users of the Google Podcasts app, which boasts over 500 million downloads, are being directed to migrate their podcast subscriptions to YouTube Music. 

What users need to know

Google is integrating podcast functionalities into YouTube Music, aiming to create a unified platform for both music and podcast listening. The change is currently available in the US, with plans to expand to other markets.

The tech giant is actively encouraging users to export their podcast subscriptions to YouTube Music, providing detailed steps for a smooth transition. This includes exporting subscriptions directly within the Google Podcasts app and transferring them to YouTube Music or downloading an OPML file for use with other podcast apps.

Here's the migration process

For users ready to make the switch, Google has outlined a simple process:

1. Open the Google Podcasts app and select "Export subscriptions."
2. Choose "Export to YouTube Music" and then "Transfer."
3. Follow the prompts in the YouTube Music app to complete the transfer.
4. Access transferred subscriptions in the YouTube Music library.
5. It's important to note that not all podcasts may be available on YouTube Music immediately, and users might encounter "Content is unavailable" messages for certain subscriptions.

A grace period for late movers

Google is offering a grace period beyond the April 2nd deadline. The company said that users in the U.S. have until the end of March 2024 to use the Google Podcasts app, with an extended period until July 2024 to export their subscriptions. 

The future of podcasting with Google

As Google Podcasts app users transition to YouTube Music, Google said it is committed to enhancing the podcast experience on its platforms. The company also said it will invest in podcast features exclusive to YouTube, including community engagement, discovery tools, and seamless audio/visual switching.

"Looking forward to 2024, we’ll be increasing our investment in the podcast experience on YouTube Music — making it a better overall destination for fans and podcasters alike with YouTube-only capabilities across community, discovery and audio/visual switching," YouTube said in a statement dated September 23, 2023.