Podcasts on YouTube Music: A new era for audio?
Plus, why couldn't Amazon or Spotify make social audio work?
Podcasts can now be heard in the YouTube Music app in the UK.
The podcast tab has been available in the US version of the YouTube Music app since April. Six months on and the tab has started to appear in the UK version of the app.
Diving into the app, the first thing that strikes you is its clean and intuitive user interface. YouTube Music has incorporated an audio-video toggle giving users the flexibility to decide whether to include the visual experience while listening, or not.
Lock screen listening is a breath of fresh air. Anyone who's tried playing a video on YouTube knows the frustration of playback halting the moment the phone screen goes dark. Including this feature from the off removes that problem.
Admittedly I am writing days after launch here, but while the platform shines in various areas, it seems to stumble when it comes to recommendations. The ‘related’ tab led me to entirely unrelated content I had no interest in. Considering YouTube’s recommendation prowess I can only think this is a glitch that's bound to be fixed in future updates.
For listeners the app currently provides a decent, simple listening experience. For creators there are still a few things missing - not least the integration of RSS (promised to happen before the end of the year). There’s also the question of where video fits in podcasting (but that’s a whole other newsletter - watch this space!)
With all that audio-purists hold dear in the hands of a video search engine giant, I think it’s fair to say that whatever happens next this integration could still be the biggest disruption to podcasting in a while.
💥 Background Noise
It was March 2022 when we first heard YouTube’s plans to provide more support for podcasts.
YouTube introduced podcasts into the US app earlier this year.
In 2022 the video giant heavily sponsored the UK’s Podcast Show and created a 67-page guide to podcasting best practices on YT.
In March this year a podcast tickbox was added in the main app allowing creators to set up a pod-specific playlist.
✂️ Cut The Tape
Podcasts are now live in the YouTube Music UK app
Users can toggle for video or audio versions
Lock-screen listening means continuous play, even when your phone’s screen blacks out
🎧 #Podcasting
YouTube Music introduces podcasts in the UK | Twitter @BigTentSocial
Automatic pause on downloads in latest Apple Podcasts update should give creators clearer download stats | Apple
Sony production company Somethin’ Else in talks to pull out of BBC radio productions | Deadline
Sounder working with Broadway Podcast Network to enhance theatre podcast slate | Martechseries
🎶 #SoundDesign
Handmade horror sound design box | Microsoft Start
Top tips for creating spooky sounds as we head towards Hallowe’en | Musicradar
The Rebellious Sounds Archive goes on display at Exeter Library | X @DreadnoughtSW
🔮 #AudioFuture
Generative AI tool Magic Dust AI removes background noise from recordings | TechCrunch
🗣 #SocialAudio
Threads introduces Voice Notes | The Verge
This week on #AllThingsAudio Morgan Evetts, Michael Sterling and Cyndilu joined me to talk about the closure of Amazon Amp and why big tech just couldn’t figure out social audio. We also talk about Clubhouse a month out form the introduction of Chats.
Follow All Things Audio wherever you listen to podcasts to make sure you never miss an episode. Leave a rating and/or review to help more people find us.
It’s always great to hear from Eric Nuzum. His book Make Noise is one of the most-read on my audio shelf and his
newsletter is a must-read. So I had to take a listen to this episode of Podcast 360 where he is interviewed by Martine Castro of Adonde Media. Eric talks about creating ‘exquisite’ audio, business leadership and the challenges 2023 has thrown our way.A nice concept from Podcast 360. Two experts from the world of podcasting. Three questions, 60 seconds answers, hear from the guest as the host in the next episode. Add to that two truths and a lie and you’ve got a neat 20 minute listen that leaves you knowing more than you did before. Job done!
Last Monday I went live on LinkedIn Audio to talk about tips around balancing volume levels in your audio. This coming Monday (Oct 16) I’ll be holding an open surgery. Got a podcast question? Want to brainstorm something? Join me on LinkedIn from 4pm- 4.30pm BST and let’s talk!
Type LinkedIn in the comments and I will send you the link.
Suze
