YouTube Music Podcast support now available in the US: Global rollout yet to be announced

YouTube Music Podcast support is now available to users in the US. The music streaming service is rolling out podcasts to users in the US to compete with Spotify, which has found success in diversifying its portfolio outside music streaming.

Now, YouTube Music users on Android and iOS in the US will now be able to listen to both audio and video podcasts both online and offline. Yes, YouTube Music users will be able download and access podcasts offline even without a Premium subscription.

Podcasts rolls out on YouTube Music

Moreover, background listening will also be supported when listening to podcasts without a paid subscription. Google says this "new podcast listening experience complements the podcast video experience on YouTube."

To recall, YouTube first announced that it was introducing podcasts to its music streaming service back in February, The Verge reported. However, it is only just rolling out to users in the US. Moreover, YouTube Music will also bring podcasts to global audiences, but no official date has been specified.

How to access Podcasts on YouTube Music?

• Download the YouTube Music App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store
• Open the App and Sign In
• Select the Dedicated Podcast Tab

It is worth noting that the podcasts tab is only accessible to YouTube Music users in the US. Users can also switch between the audio and video versions of podcasts from the music app.

Competing with Spotify

The addition of podcasts will help YouTube compete with Spotify, which reported 500 million active monthly users earlier this week. However, YouTube Music and Premium subscribers totalled to around 80 million users last November as compared to 210 million paid subscribers on Spotify.