Google's proprietary podcast-listening app, Google Podcast, is one of the few podcast apps on the Play Store, with an audience base of more than 100 million. And for a good reason: Google Podcast does podcasts as YouTube does with videos. It's simple to use, free to all, and features podcasts on the news, captivating stories, and educational content that resonate with all.
Read on to find answers to questions like what is Google Podcast App? How does Google Podcast work? Its features, interface, and some of the best podcasts are featured on the platform. As a bonus, we will also provide a step-by-step guide on creating your own podcast and submitting it to Google Podcasts.
In this article
Part 1. What is Google Podcast App?
Google Podcast (formerly Google Play Podcast) is Google's proprietary podcast-listening app. It comes pre-installed on some Android smartphones and all Pixel editions. Even Apple users can install Google Podcasts via the App Store. It's free and lets you discover, stream, and download podcasts.
Google Podcast has already hit 100 million downloads, an indication of its rising popularity both among content creators and users. Users prefer it for its navigable, search-aligned, minimalist interface. And prominent podcast creators are focusing on the app to make their episodes accessible to millions of Android users.
Part 2: Google Podcasts Features
Compatible with Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Blackberry, and ChromeOS, Google Podcast is relatively a novice compared to dedicated podcast services. Still, Google Podcast seamlessly incorporates nearly every feature one needs to listen to podcasts.
Search and Personalized Recommendations
The most significant feature of Google Podcast is its algorithm-based recommendations that connect users with shows that suit their listening habits. As a new user, you might want to explore new topics and taste new concepts, and that's where Google Podcast will impress you. But even more than that, it will automatically recommend suitable podcasts depending on your interest and previous engagements with the platform.
Google Podcast app covers a plethora of podcasts, so you do not have to switch to other platforms to discover something new or topics you love.
Free and Ad-free Experience
Google Podcast is completely free in a world where podcast platforms demand high charges for an ad-free and high-quality experience. All you need is a Google account to register and listen to anything available on the platform. In addition, podcast creators have to qualify to Google's standards before submitting the podcast on the forum, ensuring you will listen to the podcast in high quality.
Clean UI
Whether you've used a podcast platform before or not, the Google Podcast platform will seem familiar. Once you sign up, the interface will welcome you with podcasts covering all genres arranged neatly in a grid view for convenience.
In line with simplicity, the Settings option in the Google Platform app is as basic as basic gets. Plus, it allows you to conveniently organize your subscriptions and downloads via the Library tab.
One more thing: although Google Podcast is primarily designed for Android users, its counterparts on other OS, like Apple, Web, and macOS, remain simple and easy to use.
Auto-downloads, Sleep Timer, and Seamless Switch Between Devices
Google Podcast automatically downloads the podcasts you love and removes them after you've listened to the particular episodes.
Another significant characteristic of the Google Podcast platform is its intuitiveness. For instance, many podcast platforms do not automatically switch to the next episode, but you do not have to worry about such aspects with Google Podcast. You can also put a sleep timer.
Given that it's available on all primary OS, you can seamlessly switch from one device to another. Not to forget, you can search for the podcasts using Google search or your Voice Assitant.
Part 3: How Does Google Podcast Work?
Now that you know the Google Podcast app and its features, here's how to use the platform. Assuming you have downloaded the Google Podcast platform on your device and signed in using your Google account, we will now show you how to search and start listening to podcasts on the platform:
Step1 Add Your Favorites
Once you register on the Google Podcast platform, the app will ask you to explore popular shows or search for your favorites. Once you click on the Explore option, a new screen with categories listed will be shown in the top menu, like For You, News, Culture, Education, Comedy, Technology, and more. Tap on the categories to view the features of podcasts in each category.
Step2 Search Podcasts Manually
Click on the Search icon and then start typing the name of the podcasts you follow to locate them quickly. Next, tap on the desired podcasts from the search results and scroll down to view individual episodes. Finally, you can click the Subscribe button to follow the channel. The Play icon allows you to listen to the episodes.
Step3 Controls in the Google Podcast app
Once you play an episode on the Google Podcast platform, you will be taken to full-view mode. The Pause icon allows you to interrupt the episode. Plus, the 10 seconds rewind button allows you to go back and listen to something again.
Whereas the 30 seconds forward button will enable you to jump 30 seconds ahead in the episode, you can use this icon during the introduction or in-episode ads. The Speed icon lets you change the playback speed from 0.5x to 3x.
The "half-moon" icon allows you to set a sleep timer. And the "Info." icon allows you to read about the individual podcasts (if published by the creators). The "ellipsis" icon (three dots) enables you to mark the episode as played, so it will not recommend the particular episode again. And the share button allows you to share the episode with others.
Step4 Queues and Downloads menu in the Google Podcast App
Given that the Google Podcast is a free platform, you can download all the episodes and listen to them offline. To download the episodes, click on the Download button. Once downloaded, you can access them via the three-lined icon from the bottom-right of the interface. Within the Library tab, you will also find the History tab, which allows you to access all the episodes you've previously listened to.
Step5 Settings in the Google Podcast platform
Click on your image at the top-right corner to access the Settings in the Google Podcast app. Under the Google Podcast Settings page, you will find options for Downloads, Notifications, Playback, and more. For instance, Auto-downloads allow you to control the quality of the downloads and when to download (like over mobile data or Wi-Fi).
Plus, you can choose when to auto-delete the episodes, like after a week, and so on. Other options like Playback allow you to decide whether to Auto-play the next episode or not.
Video Tutorial of the Google Podcast App
Here's a video tutorial 6 Months Later Review Channel: How to Use the New Google Podcasts (2020)
In the video, Josh Teder familiarizes you with Settings, Browse, Library, Subscriptions, and other features of the Google Podcast platform.
Part 4: 10 Popular & Trending Podcasts on Google Podcast App
Now that you have a complete idea about the Google Podcast app, here are some of the best podcasts featured on the platform. Of course, given the popularity of podcasts, the choices are endless. But it is vital to retain that with great options comes great mediocrity.
That is why we asked all our team members to contribute and came up with this short list of best podcasts on the Google Podcast app that covers all genres. So, whether your interests lie in tech, true crime, pop culture, or comedy, you will find something that educates and entertains you.
1. Best Podcast on Art & Culture
Host: Jennifer Dasal
Number of Episodes on ArtCurious: More than 100.
Episodes Duration: 15-25 minutes
Upload Frequency: Weekly
Discussing the unexpected, the slightly odd, and the strangely wonderful in Art History, ArtCurious is nothing like an art class where terminologies are thrown and linear perspective is discussed. Instead, it discusses the juicy stuff!
On ArtCurious, you will find hidden truths about famous artists and creators, like why Van Gogh committed suicide. In addition, you will learn about the strange habits of revolutionary artists. If you are an art enthusiast and want to explore the unseen corners of art history, ArtCurious will fill your thirst.
2. Best Tech Podcasts
Host: Dan Moren and Mikah Sargent + 2 Guests (every week)
Number of Episodes on Clockwise: More than 400.
Episode duration: 30 minutes
Upload Frequency: Weekly
Dan Moren and Mikah Sargent invite two guests each week to discuss tech-related topics to inform, educate, and make aware of the not-so-tech generation. If you struggle with technology, like creating a good password, optimizing screen time, etc. Also, Clockwise is one podcast that can be the cure. It is important to note that Clockwise does not necessarily discuss heavy-tech stuff; instead, it is intended for the tech illiterates to make their life easier.
3. Best Talkshow and Interview Podcasts
Host: Terry Gross
Number of Episodes on Fresh Air: Daily since 1993.
Episodes duration: 45 minutes
Upload Frequency: Daily
Terry Gross, a famed-journalists and talk show host since the 90s, continues to feature weekly episodes covering present-day musicians, actors, producers, athletes, and artists.
On Fresh Air, you will discover exciting stuff about celebrities and find answers like how fame is a challenge in the social sphere and many more unusual things that you won't find on any other talk show. Terry Gross interviews a single guest for about 45 minutes daily and indulges audiences with what's happening worldwide.
4. Best Health Podcast
Host: Andrew Huberman
Number of Episodes on Fresh Air: More than 100.
Episode duration: 2 hours to 4 hours.
Upload Frequency: Weekly
Andrew Huberman, Professor of Neurobiology and Ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine, discusses the brain and its connection with body control. The episodes of Huberman Lab are long, ranging from 2 to 4 hours. So, if you want to change your habits and learn about nutrition, how to sleep, and more, Huberman Lab is the perfect addition to your Monday schedule.
5. Best History Podcast
The Bowery Boys New York City History
Host: Tom Meyers, Greg Young
Number of Episodes on Fresh Air: More than 400.
Episode duration: 1 to 2 hours.
Upload Frequency: 15 days.
American history is deeply rooted in the streets of New York City. The Underground Railroad, the elevated railroad, and the Hudson River: Host Tom Meyers and Greg Young discuss the 400 years of History of New York City. It discusses the famous leaders, the strange, and the myths created over the years and presents these stories via action-packed episodes.
6. Best Informative Podcast
Host: Stephen J. Dubner
Number of Episodes on Fresh Air: More than 500.
Episode duration: 30 to 60 minutes.
Upload Frequency: Weekly
Hosted by Dr. Stephen J. Dubner, Freakonomics Radio reveals the hidden sides of things. The things you think you know or you think you do not have to know, Freakonomics Radio will introduce topics that are typical for you and tell interesting stuff that amazes you.
It also informs you about things you might ignore and makes you more aware of everything. The best thing is Dubner invites Nobel laureates and provocateurs, intellectuals and entrepreneurs, and even underachievers to learn about things from all perspectives.
7. Best News & Politics Podcast
Host: Nate Silver
Number of Episodes on Fresh Air: More than 500.
Episode duration: 30 to 60 minutes.
Upload Frequency: Weekly
A subsidiary of ABC News, FiveThirtyEight Politics uses data and evidence-based knowledge to inform, educate, and make people aware of the current political situation across the 50 States. It's suitable for anyone interested in knowing the truth of today's American politics and the difference between the real truth and the created truth.
8. Best Sports Podcasts
Host: Bill Simmons
Number of Episodes on Fresh Air: More than 100.
Episode duration: 30 to 60 minutes.
Upload Frequency: Monthly
30 for 30 comes from the acclaimed makers of the 30-for-30 film series. Like documentaries, the 30 for 30 podcasts discuss sports legends, their stories, and unheard things about them. Beyond being informative, 30 for 30 also teaches you to explore sports and adventures. Even if you do not like sports or are not a football fan, you will surely enjoy tuning in to 30 for 30 episodes and getting lost in the busy lives of the sports legends.
9. Miscellaneous Podcasts
Host: Dan Schreiber, James Harkin, Andrew Hunter Murray, and Anna Ptaszynski.
Number of Episodes on Fresh Air: More than 400.
Episode duration: 1 hour.
Upload Frequency: Weekly
An award-winning podcast, No Such Thing As a Fish, comes from QI Offices and is about fun topics or something the creators have recently discovered. If you are looking for something fun yet interesting that informs and educates you, No Such Thing As a Fish is a perfect weekly podcast. The episodes are brief yet action-packed. And you will learn just about anything, from gorillas to caterpillars, on the podcast.
10. Movies, Music, and TV Podcasts
Host: Eric Molinsky
Number of Episodes on Fresh Air: More than 400.
Episode duration: 40 minutes.
Upload Frequency: Bi-weekly.
A podcast on science fiction, fantasy, and other genres, Eric Molinsky on Imaginary Worlds invite comic book artists, game designers, novelists, screenwriters, and filmmakers to discuss their crafts. Imaginary Worlds is just about what it sounds like, i.e., creating fictional worlds.
However, instead of just informing, it also guides artists and writers on how to form an imaginary world. A bi-weekly podcast, Imaginary Worlds is perfect for anyone interested in exploring new possibilities and imagining via different lenses.
Part 5: How to Record Your Podcast Show for Google Podcast App?
Google Podcast platform also allows individual creators to upload their podcasts to the platform and share it with the world. Given its popularity and user base, it's one of the best ways to rise in the podcast realm and get that edge over others.
So, if you are interested in creating podcasts, here's how to get started. For recording a podcast, you will have to use a third-party tool like Wondershare Filmora. Unlike Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts does not provide a web studio to create a podcast on the platform.
Google Podcast is a podcasting directory; it does not store any audio files. Instead:
- It would help if you created the podcast somewhere else, like using Wondershare Filmora for recording.
- Upload it or store it in another location, like a Website. Or you can create a podcast-only RSS feed.
- And then submit the RSS feed to the Google Podcast Manager.
So, let's first learn how to record podcasts using Wondershare Filmora.
Wondershare's Filmora is one of the best platforms to seamlessly record audio and video podcasts. Its straightforward and self-explanatory user interface allows even novices to record podcasts without going through any learning curve.
Besides recording, Filmora also allows you to edit audio and video. For instance, you will find dedicated toggles to limit background interferences, enhance microphone sound, fade in/out effects, and give access to several such features to create podcasts like a professional. You can also export the audio in the format that Google Podcast requires, like M4A, MP3, OGG, and WAV.
Key Features of Wondershare Filmora
- AI-based Silence Detection: remove moments of silence from the podcast with one click.
- Text to speech: transcript your text files into speech for the podcast.
- Speech to Text: transcribe their voice to subtitles in several languages. It increases accessibility, and users worldwide can understand your podcast seamlessly.
- Audio Ducking: Add background music to your podcast and manage the sound levels to create podcasts like professionals.
- Audio Visualizer: enhance your podcast episodes through audio-visualizing effects.
Here's How to Create Your Own Podcast Using Wondershare Filmora?
Step1 Create a New Project
- Download the Filmora application.
- Choose to Create a New Project from the main interface.
- Import an image or stock footage from the library. (You can later download the podcast in audio format).
Step2 Start Recording
- Drag the media into the timeline and click the Record button to start recording.
- Click on Record Voiceover from the options.
Step3 Set Microphone
- Connect your Microphone to the computer.
- Select the Microphone device.
- And click on the Red dot button to confirm the Voiceover recording.
Step4 Record the Podcast
- Click on OK to proceed to record the podcast.
- Go through the outline you've prepared and discuss the topics for the podcast episode.
Step5 Export audio
Click on the Export button to download your project from Wondershare Filmora.
Now that you've recorded the podcast episode, you must create your podcast's RSS feed. And submit the podcast RSS feed to Google Podcast Manager.
Hot FAQs on the Google Podcast App
1. Is Google Play the same as Google Podcast?
Earlier, Google featured podcasts on the Google Play platform (hence the name, Google Play Podcast). However, today Google Play does not feature any podcasts. So, you will have to choose Google Podcast
2. Where did Google Music Podcasts go?
Google shut down Google Music on February 24, 2021. However, it allowed users to move their podcasts and music files from Google Music to YouTube before that date. So, there's a good chance you can find the earlier podcasts available on Google Music on YouTube.
3. Is Google Podcasts Ad-free?
Yes. Google Podcast app is entirely ad-free, and there is no subscription either. So you might see in-episode promotions that individual creators present, but there are no ads in the Google Podcast app.
Final Words
Hopefully, you now know the Google Podcast app and what you will find on the Google Podcast platform. As promised, we have also shown you how to use the Google Podcast app. Retain that you can use the Google Podcast app on all primary OS, including Apple and Android devices. The podcast recommendations in this guide are written to inform users about the great shows that resonate with them.
Another significant aspect of this guide on the Google Podcast app is creating your podcast and submitting it to the platform. Google Podcast, a directory, requires you to create your own podcast and submit the podcasts via RSS feeds. So, even if you want to make your podcast, you can use tools like Filmora and then publish it on Google Podcast to share it with the world.
