YouTube has introduced new podcast-focused options for its Premium subscribers, because the platform reported that podcasts now appeal to greater than 1 billion month-to-month lively viewers globally.
Because the platform famous, YouTube Premium customers watched greater than 800 million hours of podcasts in April 2026. The brand new options are aimed toward enhancing podcast discovery and listening experiences throughout YouTube and YouTube Music.
Among the many updates is an ‘On-the-go mode’ for Android customers, with an iOS rollout deliberate within the coming months. The function gives simpler entry to listening controls, together with skip ahead and backward choices, whereas movies are enjoying within the background.
The platform has additionally launched ’Auto velocity’ for Premium customers on Android, with iOS help anticipated quickly. The function robotically adjusts playback velocity throughout slower speech or information-heavy sections of content material.
As well as, the platform can be increasing its ‘Ask Music’ suggestion software to incorporate podcasts. The function, out there to YouTube Music Premium and Premium subscribers in choose nations, permits customers to obtain podcast suggestions primarily based on genres, moods or reveals they already observe.
The updates construct on present Premium options for podcast listeners, together with background play, sooner playback speeds and the Soar Forward operate.