Despite being a newcomer to the podcast scene, YouTube Music is making strides with its latest feature update. The global rollout of podcasts has now brought the ability for users to subscribe to podcasts via RSS feed, marking a significant step towards establishing itself as a notable player in the podcast platform market.
Adding Podcasts via RSS Feed
Recently, YouTube Music has introduced the option for users to add podcasts through an RSS feed URL on both the web and mobile app. This functionality has been long-awaited and is finally becoming available to all users. The addition of this feature was reported by Podnews and showcased through screenshots provided by 9to5Google.
How to Add Podcasts
To add a podcast using an RSS feed URL, users can navigate to the Library section, select the Podcasts tab, and tap the new “Add Podcast” button at the bottom right corner of the screen. This will prompt them to choose the option to add a link via RSS, leading them to a page where they can manually enter the URL. Once the process is complete, subscribed podcasts will appear in the user’s YouTube Music library.
Identifying RSS Subscriptions
Podcasts that are subscribed through RSS will be clearly labeled with the message “This podcast was added via RSS feed” and will be accompanied by an RSS icon on the show page. Though this feature is not yet available on all devices, its impending arrival is a positive development for users.
Future Prospects
With the inclusion of RSS support, YouTube Music is solidifying its position as a go-to platform for podcasts, especially as Google Podcasts is set to close next year. Additionally, the platform is focusing on enhancing the user experience with features such as AI-generated playlist covers and artificial intelligence capabilities, further complementing its status as an audio streaming platform.
Moreover, YouTube Music continues to evolve with design changes, as seen in the experimentation with new developments like the gradient background in the Now Playing UI of the Android app. Furthermore, the platform has expanded its compatibility by adding official support for the Apple HomePod, showcasing its commitment to broadening its reach across various devices and operating systems.
As YouTube Music continues to implement innovative features and expand its reach, it is evident that the platform is dedicated to providing a comprehensive and diverse experience for its users. With the introduction of podcast subscriptions via RSS, YouTube Music is positioning itself as a formidable contender in the podcast platform sphere, offering a wide array of audio content for its growing audience.
