Google has announced that its podcast app, Google Podcasts, will be shutting down next year.

Launched in 2018, the app has struggled to compete with popular rivals such as Overcast, Spotify, and the recently improved Apple Podcasts. As a result, so many web surfers may not be familiar with Google Podcasts.

In a strategic move, Google has decided to integrate the podcast service into YouTube and its companion app, YouTube Music. This decision is backed by data showing that YouTube is already a popular platform for podcast listeners.

By 2024, YouTube wants to do more for podcast listeners. After deciding to stop the Google Podcasts app, they want to make YouTube Music better for podcasts. They'll bring in better tools for people making podcasts and make it easy for them to upload their shows.

Listeners will be able to enjoy podcasts in many ways - like while driving, without the internet, or even while doing other things on their phone. YouTube Music will also have some special features for podcasts, but they haven’t shared all the details yet.

People who use Google Podcasts now will get help to move their shows to YouTube Music. If they want, they can also add shows manually. Google is even thinking about helping users move their shows to other apps. They're still deciding how to do this best.

A few months ago, YouTube Music did something big. They let people watch and hear podcasts without paying anything. But, there will still be ads. Also, people can download shows, listen in the background, or switch between seeing and hearing on smart devices.

As Google Podcasts says goodbye, YouTube Music is getting ready for more users. They want to give a better experience to everyone who loves podcasts.