Everything you need to know about the Google Podcasts app

This blog is part two of a two-part series on Google’s new podcasting strategy and app. Read about Google’s podcasting strategy here.

One thing that’s for certain is that Google is FINALLY giving podcasting the attention it deserves this year.

Their new Android app is just one in a series of steps that Google have taken to double podcast listenership worldwide as part of their wider podcasting strategy.

This new app is brilliant news for podcasters everywhere as 87% of the smartphone market is dominated by Android users compared to Apple.

In short- this means your podcast now has the potential to be seen by MILLIONS more people.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new Android app AND how to make sure your podcast appear in it.

The app

To direct your listeners to it, you can install a “Listen to Google Podcasts” badge on your website (download one here) which will send people to the Google Podcasts and enable them to listen to your show without them actually having to download the app.

Alternatively, they can search for you in Google and your podcast will come up alongside an instant play button that will redirect users to the app if they are browsing on an Android phone.

Within the app, podcasts are ranked based on popularity and categorised depending on their niche. Once you search for a specific podcast, you will get a list matching your results and the option to instant play their episodes which are ranked from newest to oldest.

Once you’ve used the app, Google’s “For you” section uses its algorithm to suggest shows you may be interested in based on your listening history.

As the app is integrated with Google Home and Google Assistant, it means that you can pause a podcast and resume listening to it across different devices.

How to make sure your podcast appears in the app

If you’re worried about the prospect of getting your podcast into Google Podcasts, there’s no need!

All you need to appear in Google Podcasts is:

• A link to your RSS feed from your website
• A link to your website from your RSS feed

But there’s other things you can do to optimise your podcast for the app.

We’ve created a downloadable quick and easy guide on getting your podcast into Google Podcasts which takes you through, step by step, how to make sure your podcast is visible to this new audience.

Google have also created this technical guide for developers on the steps you can take to optimise your podcast to appear in Google searches.

Making podcasting more inclusive

There are some exciting future developments in store for Google Podcasts as the company pledge to make the app more inclusive.

One upcoming feature is closed captions, allowing people to read along as they listen.

Now, you may be thinking “Why would I need to read along to podcasts, the whole point is for me to listen” but if you have hearing difficulties, this new feature will make the experience of listening to podcasts much more enjoyable for you.

Also, if you’ve ever tried to listen to a podcast on a crowded train or commute, this new feature will mean you no longer have to rewind to catch up on what was said.

Similarly, Google hopes to add real-time language translations to podcasts meaning that you can listen even if it’s not in your native language.

These features are just some of the updates Google are working on to make sure the app aids them in their plans of doubling podcast listenership worldwide.

Google Podcasts Product Manager, Zack Reneau-Wedeen, said: “Podcasting holds unbounded promise as a storytelling medium, but its future depends on a rich array of stories, voices and creators.”

While there are more podcasts than ever before, there continues to be an imbalance in who is creating them. Looking at top charts, only about a quarter of the most popular podcasts tend to be hosted by women, and even fewer by people of color.”

In response to this, Google are working on an industry-wide program to get more people across the world and from different backgrounds podcasting. They’re being pretty vague at the minute but encourage people who are interested to sign up here.

So, where do I go from here?

If you’ve got an Android device, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t delve right in and download the new app.

But even if you haven’t, you can still explore the new app using this handy guide by Podnews.net

For Podcast Websites members, don’t worry – as always, we have your back.

You’re all set and ready for Google Podcasts and Kieran’s 24/7 support team are on hand if you need any help implementing the above.

If you’re not a Podcast Websites member, no biggie – book a one-to-one call with us to find out how we can help you take your podcast to the next level!