Google Podcasts is Gone — And So is My Faith in Google
In a move that seems all too familiar, Google has decided to shut down its Google Podcasts app, opting instead to funnel its podcasting efforts into YouTube Music. This decision echoes a pattern that has come to be known as “The Google Cycle,” where the tech giant introduces, neglects, and ultimately kills off its services. The demise of Google Podcasts is the latest in a line of products that have seen a similar fate, joining the Google Graveyard alongside Reader, Duo, Inbox, and others. This cycle of excitement followed by abandonment has not only frustrated users but has also squandered what could have been groundbreaking opportunities in the podcasting sphere.
The Missed Opportunity in Podcasting
The frustration doesn’t stem from Google’s decision to pivot—a company’s strategy will inevitably evolve—but from the missed opportunity to revolutionize how we discover and engage with podcasts. At its core, Google’s strength lies in organizing and making accessible the world’s information. Yet, when it came to podcasts, Google seemed to miss a crucial chance to interconnect its services for a seamless user experience. Imagine discovering a podcast through a YouTube Short and being able to subscribe to it on Google Podcasts with just one tap. Or searching Google for a moment or insight buried within hours of audio, thanks to searchable transcripts. These are not far-fetched dreams but tangible missed opportunities.
Rather than leveraging its ecosystem to enhance podcast discovery and consumption, Google has chosen to focus solely on YouTube Music, a decision driven by evident but short-sighted commercial logic. YouTube thrives on video ads, which are more lucrative compared to the non-existent ad system for audio in Google Podcasts. The shift towards YouTube Music seems to betray a preference for immediate ad revenue over building a comprehensive, user-centric platform for both music and podcasts.
Why Google Podcasts was Better
Despite the commercial motivations, it’s hard not to feel that Google Podcasts users are being downgraded in this transition. YouTube, at its heart, is a video platform. Attempting to make it serve double duty for podcasts creates a cluttered and confusing experience for users. Even within YouTube Music, podcasts feel like an afterthought, sandwiched between playlists and music recommendations rather than given their deserving spotlight. Music and podcasts, while both audio, serve distinctly different purposes for listeners. Each deserves its own platform, something Google seemed to have recognized with Google Podcasts before its untimely demise.
The Larger Trend of Google’s Inconsistency
Looking at the bigger picture, the end of Google Podcasts is yet another chapter in Google’s history of inconsistent product management. From messaging apps to smart home brands, Google has repeatedly entered various markets with grand visions, only to leave them unfulfilled. This inconsistency not only confuses users but also erodes trust in Google’s dedication to its services.
While YouTube Music might be the focus now, there’s little to assure that it won’t face the same neglect in the future. Fortunately, for podcast enthusiasts, there are numerous alternatives like Pocket Casts, Overcast, and even Apple Podcasts that offer a dedicated and consistent podcasting experience.
The takeaway from Google Podcasts’ closure isn’t just about the loss of another app; it’s a reminder of the importance of commitment and focus in product development. Perhaps it’s time for users and creators alike to look beyond the ever-changing priorities of Google and invest their time and content in platforms that value stability and specialization in the podcasting realm.
Mehek