Google is set to close its podcast platform, Google Podcasts, by June. In a recent email to users, Google informed podcast creators to move their content to YouTube Music or download an OPML file of their subscriptions to transfer to another platform. Google emphasized the deadline of June 23, 2024, for content migration.

Google's decision to discontinue the app, announced in September last year, was influenced by a shift towards promoting audio and video content on its YouTube platform. Despite being a primarily audio medium, Google aims to integrate YouTube's video strengths into the podcasting realm. YouTube Music has updated its platform to support audio-centric content.

Although YouTube Music has faced criticism for lacking key podcast features like new episode notifications and mark-as-played indicators, the platform has been gradually improving since it began supporting podcasts globally in 2023. With Google's history of shutting down underperforming services, Google Podcasts joins the list of discontinued apps like Stadia and Hangouts. The move raises questions about the potential subscription-based model for YouTube Music and the overall sustainability of Google's innovative ideas.