Google Podcast finally shuts down today, April 2, as the tech giant urges users to move to YouTube Music where most audio-related content has transitioned.
At least 500 million users, at least according to total downloads since 2018, are estimated will be affected by the discontinuation.
Subscribed users are given until July to move their subscriptions to YouTube Premium, which also includes ad-free services for YouTube Music.
The tech giant first announced plans to close down the Google Podcast in September of last year.
Google Discontinues More Old Services
Google Podcast joins the growing list of Google services being discontinued as the tech giant moves most of its products and services to centralized platforms like YouTube or Google One.
Before Podcast, the tech giant bid farewell to Google Play Music, Movies & TV, and several old Android features.
More recent examples are the service termination for Google Driving Assistant, Maps, and Play Store on older phones.
There are so many discontinued platforms, services, and applications that there is a dedicated webpage to monitor which digital products Google has killed off already.
After Podcast, Google will also soon stop support for DropCam this coming April, while Google Jamboard will officially shut down by the end of the year.
Related Article : Google Bids Farewell to Google Play Movies & TV
Google Podcast Alternatives
If there is one alternative Google wants its users to move from Podcast, it is clearly YouTube Music where most podcasts are already being hosted.
If paying the whole YouTube Premium package does not sound attractive, users can still go to either Spotify or Deezer to enjoy popular podcast shows and radio events.
In the case you already have a subscription to Amazon Prime, Audibles may look like a cheaper option.
X (formerly Twitter) is also beginning to grow to become a podcast platform with its "Spaces" tab.
