YouTube announced Thursday that it is introducing new podcast features for premium users, including an AI-powered recommendation tool, an “auto speed” setting, and a new on-the-go listening mode.
The update signals YouTube’s continued efforts to compete with other platforms for podcast viewers, especially as streaming giant Netflix is investing heavily in video podcasts. The company also appears to be targeting users who consume podcasts on audio-first apps like Spotify and Apple Podcasts by focusing on personalized discovery and hands-free listening features.
The Google-owned platform’s Ask Music feature, which allows premium users to generate personalized radio stations and playlists, will now allow users to get podcast recommendations based on genre, current mood, and shows they already enjoy.
Users will also have access to a new “AutoSpeed” feature designed to make listening more efficient by intelligently adjusting the playback speed of slow audio or information-dense segments, creating a more streamlined experience without sacrificing understanding.
You can already adjust the playback speed, but it can become inconsistent if the host speaks at different speeds or changes their tone. This new feature allows listeners to hear content at a speed that accommodates these changes throughout the conversation.
The new on-the-go mode gives premium users access to easy-to-hear controls designed for activities like running, commuting, and multitasking. Users can access quick controls such as skipping forward or backward or jumping to the next episode. YouTube says this feature was designed to help you get the most out of background playback.
Auto Speed and Away Mode are now available to premium users on Android and will be available on iOS in the coming months.
YouTube says premium users listened to more than 800 million hours of podcasts in April 2026, and YouTube Podcasts now has more than 1 billion monthly active users. With these new features, the company aims to maintain and grow these numbers.
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