YouTube expands its podcast division
The streaming service is planning to expand its podcast division. Hosts will soon be able to upload audio podcasts to YouTube Music. This could make YouTube more of a competitor to Spotify.
"In the near future", Kai Chuk, Head of Podcast at YouTube, wants to expand this division. Chuk recently made the announcement at the Hot POD Summit. Until now, podcasts on YouTube have only been available in video format. This is now set to change. Podcasts will also be able to be listened to for free in the background with YouTube Music. To this end, the media library is to be improved and equipped with a podcast badge - this will make audio-first shows easier to recognise.
No own shows, but still competition for Spotify
There don't seem to be any plans for the kind of exclusive podcast shows offered by Spotify and Amazon. Nevertheless, YouTube could become competition for Spotify in particular. This is because YouTube has an advantage with audio and video podcasts thanks to two formats. In addition, Youtube currently has over 2.5 billion users worldwide. Spotify, on the other hand, has slightly fewer than 500 million. YouTube could gain more podcast users thanks to its powerful discovery algorithms.
The new podcast formats are set to be rolled out in the USA soon, with other countries to follow, according to a YouTube spokesperson.
Cover photo: Livia Gamper
Testing devices and gadgets is my thing. Some experiments lead to interesting insights, others to demolished phones. I’m hooked on series and can’t imagine life without Netflix. In summer, you’ll find me soaking up the sun by the lake or at a music festival.