In a recent blog post discussing the future of podcasts on YouTube, YouTube explained that YouTube Music wants to be “the ultimate destination for podcasters and fans”. However, even recent changes to improve the platform’s podcast listening experience seem to fall short of users’ expectations.
YouTube Music’s focus on podcasts is moving forward quickly, despite users complaining about fundamental shortcomings
The platform supports third-party RSS podcasts, updates to the Android Auto experience, enhanced download options and customizable playlist sorting. However, users have complained about the lack of these features as well as more basic ones.
For example, while users are waiting for new podcast sorting filters that are not yet widely available, they complain about the lack of simple features like “Mark as Played” and notifications for new episodes. They also report difficulty discovering content, switching between podcasts and music, and creating queues and playlists.
On platforms like Reddit, users have shared their experiences listening to podcasts using YouTube Music. Many of these users have decided that YouTube Music is not a suitable platform for podcasts. Some have switched to alternative platforms, while others are considering doing so.
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Google’s decision to integrate Podcasts into YouTube Music has also been criticized. In particular, users in the US were forced to switch to YouTube Music after the Podcasts app was shut down. However, it is clear that this transition has not been well received by users. While YouTube Music’s desire to focus on podcasts can be appreciated, it seems that the platform needs to solve its core usability issues first to meet users’ demands. More effort may be required to meet users’ expectations and truly make the platform “the ultimate destination for podcasters and fans”.
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