YouTube Makes Initial Moves Toward Becoming a True Podcast Platform

New features rolling out on YouTube aim to enhance the podcast listening experience, starting today for Premium subscribers on Android, with iOS support coming soon.

The introduction of an “on-the-go mode” transforms YouTube into an audio-centric interface, featuring larger, simplified playback controls, a static image instead of video, and a timeline that highlights video chapters. Users can activate this mode through the video settings, and a prompt will appear if YouTube detects you’re on the move while watching.

For those who prefer to speed through their podcasts, YouTube’s new auto speed feature automates playback adjustments. It modifies the speed based on the content of the video and the minimum speed you set, speeding up during slower segments and reverting to your chosen pace afterward.

Additionally, YouTube is broadening its Ask Music AI search functionality to encompass podcasts. Within the YouTube Music app, users can utilize chatbot prompts to receive podcast recommendations tailored to their preferred genre, activity, or creator. This follows a similar move by another platform, which introduced podcast suggestions via chatbot earlier this year.