Google Podcasts To Sunset in 2024, YouTube Music Rises As Podcasting Hub

Alphabet Inc GOOG GOOGL Google has disclosed its plans to shut down the Google Podcasts app later in 2024, redirecting its users to the YouTube Music platform. 

This move is part of Google's strategy to consolidate its podcast offerings and enhance the podcast experience on YouTube Music by focusing on discovery, community, and seamless switching between audio and video podcasts.

Also Read: Spotify Expands Video Offering, Takes On YouTube And TikTok With Full-Length Music Videos: Report

Google's decision is motivated by user behavior, with only 4% of weekly podcast users in the U.S. favoring Google Podcasts, compared to 23% who frequently use YouTube for podcasts, TechCrunch reports.

Meanwhile, Spotify Technology SPOT has initiated a trial phase for an AI-powered feature to translate and replicate podcast hosts' voices into multiple languages. 

It looks to provide a seamless listening experience in Spanish, French, and German by recreating the original speakers' tone, rhythm, and pace.

To facilitate the transition, Google will provide users with a migration tool, enabling them to transfer their podcast subscriptions to YouTube Music. 

Additionally, Google will support the option to download an OPML file of their show subscriptions from Google Podcasts, allowing users to import their subscriptions to other podcast apps if they prefer not to move to YouTube Music. 

Google aims to position YouTube Music as a strong competitor to platforms like Spotify, Apple Inc AAPL Apple Music, and Amazon.Com Inc AMZN Amazon Music. 

While Google has successfully shifted users away from older products in the past, transitioning podcast users presents a unique challenge, as many already turn to YouTube for podcast content.

Price Action: GOOG shares traded lower by 2.12% at $129.37 on the last check Tuesday.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.