YouTube Music (YTM) is rolling out a feature that could change the podcasting landscape. With the planned discontinuation of Google Podcasts in 2024, YTM is stepping up, offering a seamless transition for both podcast creators and their audience.

Until now, podcasters had to upload videos of their episodes on YTM

The heart of this shift lies in YTM’s new capability allowing users to add podcasts via RSS feeds, a feature that’s currently making its way to Android and web platforms. This move is significant because, until now, podcasters had to upload video versions of their episodes on YTM, a requirement that demanded additional effort and possibly deterred many creators.

YouTube Music

The implementation is user-friendly: a visit to the Library tab and a tap on the Podcasts filter unveils an “Add podcast” option. Users can either browse popular podcasts on YouTube or add shows using an RSS feed. Once added, these podcasts will appear alongside others in the user’s library, marked by an RSS icon for easy identification. This approach not only streamlines the process but also opens doors for a broader range of podcast content on YTM.

While this feature is still in its nascent stages, not yet widely available, it’s expected to gain more traction soon. The added benefit for podcasters is the shift from the necessity of video uploads to the simplicity of RSS, which is likely to enhance content discovery on the platform.

Additionally, YTM is working on a “simple migration tool” to facilitate the transfer of existing Google Podcasts subscriptions to YTM. This is a thoughtful gesture to ensure a smooth transition for dedicated podcast listeners. YTM’s expansion into podcasting doesn’t stop here. It’s testing various user-friendly features, including custom playlist art creation using generative AI, Apple HomePod support, and a redesigned overflow menu, making it a robust platform for music and podcast enthusiasts. Stay tuned for more updates!

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