Google Podcasts to Shut Down in April 2024: Migration Tool and Transition Details

In September, Google announced the imminent shutdown of its dedicated podcast app, Google Podcasts, and has now confirmed the official date: April 2024. This decision aligns with Google’s strategy of consolidating its audio offerings by incorporating podcasts into YouTube in 2022.

To facilitate a smooth transition for users, Google has introduced a migration tool enabling the transfer of existing podcast subscriptions from Google Podcasts to YouTube Music. Initially available only to US users, the tool is anticipated to have a global rollout soon.

The migration tool will be integrated into the Google Podcasts app over the next few weeks, accessible through a banner at the top of the screen. Google’s support website will provide step-by-step instructions for the migration process.

While the Google Podcasts app will cease functioning in April, US users can continue listening to their podcasts within the app until March 2024. Both migration and subscription export options will be available until July 2024, offering users ample time for the transition.

For users hesitant about Google’s history of discontinuing podcast apps (recall Google Listen and Google Play Music Podcasts), an alternative option exists. Subscriptions can be exported as an OPML file at podcasts.google.com/settings until August 2024, facilitating their import into another preferred podcast app.

Key dates to remember for the Google Podcasts shutdown are as follows:

• March 2024: Last month for listening to podcasts within the Google Podcasts app.
• April 2024: Official shutdown of the Google Podcasts app.
• July 2024: Deadline for migration or subscription export.
• August 2024: Deadline for exporting subscriptions as an OPML file.

While change can be challenging, Google assures users that the new experience will offer “a great podcast experience for all,” providing the option to transition to another podcast platform if preferred.