YouTube Music has officially started rolling out podcasts to its platform in the United States for Android, iOS, and web users. The launch comes after Kai Chuk, YouTube’s podcasting head, revealed that podcasts would soon be available on the music streaming platform. The addition of podcasts aims to strengthen YouTube Music’s position in the market, as it competes with rivals such as Spotify and Apple Music.
The update enables users to enjoy podcasts on-demand, offline, and in the background, while also casting and seamlessly switching between audio-video versions on YouTube Music. These features are available to all users, regardless of whether they have a YouTube Premium subscription. According to the company, this new podcast listening experience complements the podcast video experience already available on YouTube.
Podcasts can be accessed through the YouTube Music Home tab, where users will find a dedicated “Podcasts” tab that displays a personalised feed of their favourite podcasts and recommended episodes. For creators who produce audio-only podcasts, YouTube advises uploading a video with a static image or using audiograms or other dynamic video formats. The platform plans to offer creators the option to upload audio podcasts directly via RSS feeds to both YouTube and YouTube Music soon.
Unlike Spotify, YouTube is reportedly not looking to sign exclusive deals with podcasters. Instead, the platform is focusing on integrating the podcast listening experience with video and audio content. This strategy benefits both YouTube and podcast creators, as the platform has over 2 billion global users and offers various features, such as YouTube Shorts, for easy sharing of podcast clips.
With podcasts now available on YouTube Music, the platform is diversifying its content and catering to users who enjoy both music and podcasts. This move is expected to increase user engagement, as podcasts typically have longer listening times than individual songs. Additionally, advertising opportunities within podcasts can provide revenue for both YouTube and creators.
At present, the podcast feature is gradually rolling out to YouTube Music listeners in the US, with plans to expand to users outside the country in the near future. No specific launch details have been provided for other regions.
As YouTube Music continues to develop its podcast offering, exclusive deals and creator programs tailored specifically for podcasters may be introduced. By getting involved early and consistently, podcasters can increase their chances of gaining direct access to YouTube’s podcast creator team and benefiting from new features and exclusive opportunities.
The introduction of podcasts on YouTube Music is a strategic move for the platform, allowing it to leverage its audiovisual capabilities and extensive user base. This development not only benefits YouTube but also offers podcast creators a chance to reach a wider audience, engage with supporters through the platform’s community features, and tap into additional monetisation opportunities. With the podcast industry growing rapidly, this launch positions YouTube Music as a strong contender in the market.
