YouTube Music Users Can Now Enjoy Seamless Podcast Auto-Downloads

YouTube Music , a music streaming service owned by Google's YouTube, is introducing the feature to automatically download podcasts, according to a report from 9to5google.

In version 6.21 of YouTube Music for both Android and iOS, users can now enjoy the convenience of auto-downloading podcasts. To utilise this functionality, visit the podcast's page, click on the new settings gear icon, and select " Save to Library." This action will unveil the 'Turn on auto-downloads' button, instantly downloading the most recent episode for offline listening.

The report explains that auto-downloads operate on a per-show and per-device basis, meaning users need to enable them for each show individually. In Google Podcasts , managing downloads is easy, with a dedicated Auto Downloading page for toggling downloads on and off. In YouTube Music, users can manage downloaded podcasts by navigating to the Library tab, selecting Podcasts, and using the individual overflow menus.

As for the retention of episodes, the report notes, "As of today, episodes you've finished listening to aren't automatically deleted. It's possible that files are deleted after a new episode is available/downloaded or after a set time increment, like a full day, but we aren't able to test that just yet."

The report also hints at a feature many users are eagerly anticipating: the ability to subscribe via RSS on YouTube Music. This enhancement could transform the platform into a straightforward podcast player, eliminating the need for podcast creators to produce and upload video versions.

In related news, YouTube has solidified its position as the preferred platform for four out of every five internet users in India . Furthermore, its short video creation app, Shorts , has gained significant popularity, with 96 percent of users aged 18 to 44 in India utilising YouTube Shorts .

With an astonishing average of 70 billion daily views worldwide, YouTube Shorts continues to gain traction, particularly among viewers in India. Notably, Shorts watch-time has surpassed that of traditional devices, with 88 percent of online 18-44-year-olds in India watching short-form video content on their TVs over the past 12 months.