YouTube takes baby steps to being a real podcast app
YouTube is introducing new features for Premium subscribers, including an 'on-the-go' audio-first mode and automatic playback speed adjustments. These updates aim to improve the platform's utility as a dedicated podcast listening app.
Why it matters
This move signals YouTube's intent to compete directly with established podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts by leveraging its massive video library.
New features coming to YouTube could make it better for listening to podcasts, rolling out to Premium subscribers starting today on Android and coming later to iOS. A new "on-the-go mode" shifts YouTube into an audio-first layout, with larger, simplified playback buttons, a still image in place of the video, and a timeline showing video chapters. YouTube says you can turn on this new mode in a video's settings - a pop up will also appear if YouTube detects you're moving around while watching a video. If you like to speed up your podcasts to get through episodes faster, YouTube's new auto speed feature can help you automate that process. … Read the full story at The Verge.
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