YouTube announced on Thursday it’s introducing new podcast options for Premium customers, together with an AI-powered suggestion device, an “Auto pace” setting, and a brand new on-the-go listening mode.
The replace alerts YouTube’s ongoing efforts to compete with different platforms for podcast audiences, particularly as streaming big Netflix is investing closely in video podcasts. Moreover, by specializing in personalised discovery and hands-free listening options, the corporate additionally seems to be focusing on customers who devour podcasts on audio-first apps like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
The Google-owned platform’s “Ask Music” function already lets Premium customers generate personalised radio stations and playlists, and now customers will be capable of get podcast suggestions primarily based on genres, their present temper, or exhibits they already get pleasure from.
Customers may also get entry to a brand new “Auto pace” function designed to make listening extra environment friendly by intelligently adjusting playback pace throughout slower speech or information-dense segments, making a extra streamlined expertise with out sacrificing comprehension.
When you can already regulate your playback pace, it may be inconsistent if the hosts are talking at completely different speeds or altering their tone. With this new function, listeners will be capable of take heed to content material at a pace that addresses these adjustments all through the dialog.
The brand new on-the-go mode provides Premium customers entry to listener-friendly controls designed for actions like working, commuting, or multitasking. Customers will get entry to fast controls like skipping ahead or backward, or leaping to the subsequent episode. YouTube says the function is designed to make it simpler to get probably the most out of background playback.
Auto pace and on-the-go mode are actually obtainable for Premium customers on Android and are coming to iOS within the coming months.
YouTube says Premium customers watched over 800 million hours of podcasts in April 2026, and that YouTube Podcasts has over 1 billion month-to-month energetic customers. With these new options, the corporate is seeking to each retain and develop these numbers.
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