- YouTube has introduced new Premium features to improve the podcast listening experience.
- On-the-Go Mode gives Android users easier controls while listening in the background.
- Ask Music can now recommend podcasts based on interests, mood, and favorite shows.
YouTube has announced several new features for Premium subscribers who enjoy podcasts. The updates make listening easier, faster, and more personalized. The company says these changes will help users get more from their favorite podcasts while using YouTube.
According to YouTube, podcasts have become a major part of the platform. More than 1 billion people watch podcasts on YouTube every month. The company also said YouTube Premium users watched over 800 million hours of podcasts in April 2026.
New YouTube Premium podcast features roll out
YouTube Premium already offers useful podcast features such as background play, Jump Ahead, and faster playback speeds. The online video streaming platform is now adding new tools to improve the listening experience even further. These updates focus on easier controls, smarter playback, and better podcast recommendations.
On-the-go mode for easier listening
YouTube is implementing a new feature called On-the-go mode for Premium users on Android. The feature will come to iOS in the coming months. The On-the-go mode makes it easier to control podcasts while videos play in the background. In this way, users can quickly skip forward or backward without opening the app fully. YouTube says the feature is useful for people who listen while commuting, exercising, or doing other tasks.
Auto speed adjusts playback intelligently
YouTube is also introducing auto speed for Premium subscribers on Android, with iOS availability planned for a future release. The feature automatically changes playback speed based on the content. For example, it can slow down during important sections and speed up during slower parts. YouTube says this helps users listen more efficiently without missing important information.
Ask Music now recommends podcasts
Another addition brings podcast discovery into Ask Music, a feature already available to YouTube Music Premium and YouTube Premium subscribers in select countries. Ask Music previously allowed users to create personalized radio stations and playlists based on their preferences. With the update, users can now request podcast recommendations based on genres, moods, or shows they already enjoy.
YouTube said the feature will make it easier for listeners to find new podcasts without spending time searching through large content libraries.
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