Google is making big changes to its Podcasts app in the U.S., with plans to shut down the app in a matter of days. Users of the app have been notified that they will need to transfer their subscriptions to YouTube Music by April 2 if they want to continue following and streaming their favorite shows. Those who do not make the switch right away will still have some time to migrate, but they will no longer be able to stream directly from the Podcasts app after the deadline.
With over 500 million installs on Android devices worldwide, the Google Podcasts app has been a popular choice for podcast listeners for many years. However, the tech giant announced last September that it would be winding down the app in early 2024 as part of its efforts to centralize its audio services under YouTube.
The transition to YouTube could be a strategic move for Google to strengthen its presence in the podcasting space, especially with the growing interest in video podcasts. Platforms like Spotify have already begun offering video podcasts to users in various markets, and Google likely wants to capitalize on this trend.
While the shutdown date for Google Podcasts in the U.S. has been confirmed, details about the closure in other markets are still unclear. Users in the U.S. will have until the end of March 2024 to use the Podcasts app before it is officially discontinued. Google has not provided specific dates for other regions, but it is expected that the app will be phased out globally by 2024.
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