What made Google Podcasts better than YouTube Music
What's the story
Google officially discontinued its dedicated podcast platform, Google Podcasts, on April 2, with all its features being integrated into YouTube Music. This transition left users longing for a streamlined podcast experience that was characteristic of the former. The change has sparked discussions about the top features that will be missed by users. So, what made Google Podcasts better than YouTube Music? Let's find out.
UI appeal
Minimalist interface
Google Podcasts was widely appreciated for its minimalist and user-friendly interface. The app's "less is more" design philosophy made podcast discovery effortless for users. In contrast, YouTube Music, with its mix of audio and visual content including music videos, playlists, albums, and podcast episodes, presents a cluttered interface that complicates navigation for users primarily interested in podcasts.
Search functionality
Dedicated search function
Google Podcasts boasted a dedicated search function that exclusively displayed podcasts, making it easy for users to find their desired content. Whether users were searching for a historical deep dive or a quirky crime story, they could easily locate what they needed. In contrast, YouTube Music's search function yields a mix of vast content, which can be frustrating for users seeking only podcasts.
Accessibility
Audio-centric approach
Google Podcasts was known for embracing the audio nature of podcasts, excluding video content from its platform. This approach catered to many podcast listeners who prefer an audio-centric experience. However, YouTube Music promotes video content, even when it may not be necessary or desired by the user. This emphasis on video can detract from the audio-focused experience that podcast listeners often seek.
No interruptions
Ad-free experience
Google Podcasts offered an ad-free experience without paywalls, focusing on delivering quality content to the audience without interruptions from advertisements or requests for payment. This contrasts with YouTube Music, which is perceived as trying to monetize every aspect of its platform with incessant ads and paywalls that can degrade the experience. The absence of this Google Podcasts feature will be sorely missed by users.
User convenience
Organizational mastery
Google Podcasts was highly regarded for its organizational prowess. The app neatly listed subscriptions and had a dedicated spot for downloads, making it intuitive to use. On the other hand, YouTube Music places all content on the home page, creating a disorganized clutter that can make finding specific content stressful for users. This shifts from an organized to a more chaotic interface.