Google Podcasts has bid farewell, marking the end of a six-year journey as it ceased operations on April 2. Its closure places it alongside other discontinued Google services like YouTube Stories and the Stadia console.
Upon accessing the app or official website, users are greeted with a notification announcing the service’s discontinuation. Google advises subscribers to transition their subscriptions either to YouTube Music or export them to a third-party platform.
In a recent publication, we detailed the process of transferring subscriptions. Shifting to YouTube Music is relatively straightforward, and manageable directly through the Google Podcasts app. However, migrating to a third-party service involves creating an OPML file and uploading it to a compatible platform. The deadline for data migration is July 31, after which options become limited.
Google’s move towards integrating audio content into YouTube Music positions it as the successor to Google Podcasts. While it serves as a viable alternative, it falls short of being optimal.
The primary issue with podcast integration on YouTube Music is its secondary focus compared to music. Despite ongoing updates to enhance podcast support, significant improvements are still necessary. The search function tends to prioritize musical content, even when the “Podcast” filter is applied. Additionally, the cluttered user interface, inundated with song recommendations, poses challenges in discovering podcasts.
For users seeking alternatives to YouTube Music for their podcast needs, we present a curated list of the top choices.
- AntennaPod – Ideal for Android Users
AntennaPod, a volunteer-built platform, is ad-free and offers seamless subscriptions via RSS feed. It facilitates easy access to new episodes, is downloadable for offline listening, and features a user-friendly interface. However, it’s exclusive to Android.
- PocketCasts – Feature-Rich Option
Pocket Casts stands out with its diverse show discovery resources and playback tools like speed adjustment and silence trimming. While the basic features are free, subscribing to Pocket Casts Plus unlocks additional benefits including desktop and smartwatch compatibility. It caters to both Android and iOS users.
- Overcast – Top Choice for iOS Users
Overcast, exclusive to iOS, garners praise for its intuitive design and unique features like Voice Boost and Smart Speed. Despite ads, the Premium subscription offers an ad-free experience. However, it’s exclusively available for iOS.
Additionally, Spotify has emerged as a significant player in the podcasting realm. However, due to its diverse content focus, it may not fully replace Google Podcasts. For dedicated podcast enjoyment, consider the aforementioned options.