Back in September, Google announced it would be shutting down its dedicated podcast app, Google Podcasts. Now, they’ve confirmed the official date: April 2024. This move follows the inclusion of podcasts into YouTube back in 2022, streamlining Google’s audio offerings under one roof.

Google Podcasts Shut Down April 2024
Google Podcasts shutdown in April 2024 | Image: Gizmochina

Google launches migration tool ahead of Podcasts shutdown

To assist users with the transition, Google has launched a new migration tool. This tool allows users to easily transfer their existing podcast subscriptions from Google Podcasts to YouTube Music. Currently, the migration tool is only available for users in the United States but is expected to be rolled out globally soon.

Google says the new migration tool will appear within the Google Podcasts app in the coming weeks which can be accessed through a banner at the top of the screen. Additionally, step-by-step instructions on the migration process will be available on Google’s support website.

While the Google Podcasts app itself will cease to function in April, US users can still listen to their podcasts within the app until March 2024. Additionally, both migration and subscription export will be available until July 2024, allowing ample time for everyone to make the transition.

However, if you’re wary of Google’s history of shuttering podcast apps (a nod to the discontinued Google Listen and Google Play Music Podcasts), you have another option. You can export your subscriptions as an OPML file at podcasts.google.com/settings until August 2024. This allows you to import them into a different podcast app of your choice.

These are all the important dates to remember for Google Podcasts shutdown:

  • March 2024: Last month to listen to podcasts within the Google Podcasts app.
  • April 2024: Google Podcasts app officially shuts down.
  • July 2024: Deadline to migrate or export subscriptions.
  • August 2024: Deadline to export subscriptions as an OPML file.

While change can be tricky, Google assures you that the new experience will be “a great podcast experience for all.” Meanwhile, you also have the option to switch to another podcast platform if you prefer.

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