YouTube Music aims to be the go-to place for podcasting, but it still lags behind Spotify and Apple Music. The platform now supports video podcasts and aims to use algorithms to recommend content to users. However, YouTube Music lacks features like RSS and must address shortcomings to compete with its rivals.
Google has an annoying habit of killing popular services and sending them to its infamous graveyard.
On April 2, the company’s dedicated podcasting app, Google Podcasts, was shut down in the US to be replaced by YouTube Music.
Despite YouTube Music’s strides in podcasting, it still can’t be in the same crowd as Spotify and Apple Music; Honestly, we think it sucks. But the app has no intention of abandoning podcasts and now has its sights set on becoming the “ultimate destination for podcasters and fans alike.”
We’re missing some of the features and tools we used to have in Google Play Music and we want them back
In an interview with YouTube Chief Product Officer Johanna Voolich, the brand stated that podcasts are an essential part of YouTube Music and that the company wants to reinforce its podcast mission (via Keynote USAGoogle).
For now, YouTube appears to be focused on video podcasts, with the product manager saying that users like the “visual element” of podcasts on the platform. He added that YouTube Music has two approaches to podcasts. First, the traditional method which includes RSS, downloads, episodes, or generally any form of audio content.
YouYube Music wants to be the main place for podcasting
The second approach is the video podcast, or “optional eye experience,” as Voolich defines it. This form of content has the potential to be enjoyable to watch and listen to. Additionally, Voolich said YouTube podcasters can rely on the platform’s algorithm and discovery systems to get their content in front of more users.
“Our Discovery and Watch Next systems can highlight topics, highlight creators (and) can highlight key topics that were already in one podcast and recommend them in another.” —Voolich added.
YouTube Music now supports third-party RSS podcasts but does not support RSS output, a feature that would allow podcasters to upload their content to YouTube and then send it to other platforms via RSS, and Voolich revealed that such functionality is currently not in the application roadmap.
However, the app introduces more advanced filter options to create a seamless experience for listeners. It has also improved the in-car listening experience through Android Auto updates. Meanwhile, the platform still emphasizes its ability to allow users to listen to their favorite shows without paying a membership fee.
Truth be told, YouTube Music still needs to address several shortcomings to catch up with Spotify and Apple Music. With the international shutdown of Google Podcasts in June, YouTube Music will become the company’s centralized podcasting app
Keynote USA News
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