Google Removes Embedded Podcasts From Search Results

Google has quietly eliminated embedded podcasts from search outcomes, which suggests customers will now not have the ability to hearken to podcast episodes straight from the SERPs.

This transformation was first noticed by Podnews, who obtained affirmation from a Google spokesperson that the removing was intentional.

This transformation will have an effect on the flexibility to hearken to particular person podcast episodes with out leaving Google, a characteristic that was launched in 2019.

Google will nonetheless embody hyperlinks to podcast episodes in search outcomes, however customers can not hearken to them straight from the search web page.

As a substitute, customers shall be directed to the web site the place the podcast is hosted.

The choice to take away embedded podcasts from search outcomes was made to offer a greater person expertise, based on a Google spokesperson.

“We’re constantly experimenting with ways to improve the experience for our users,” the spokesperson says in an announcement to Podnews.

It’s unclear how this improves the person expertise aside from making a leaner SERP.

Though Google didn’t give any prior discover, eradicating embedded podcasts from search outcomes isn’t sudden because the Google Podcasts app hasn’t been up to date for 18 months.

The transfer will possible be met with some disappointment from searchers who routinely use the characteristic.

Alternatively, this modification might lead to extra people subscribing to podcasts as they’ll now not have the ability to hearken to them by a fast search.

Google’s resolution to take away embedded podcasts from search outcomes is likely to be half of a bigger technique to section out the Google Podcasts product.

The truth that the app hasn’t been up to date for over a 12 months signifies that it might be headed for the Google graveyard.

Nevertheless, this doesn’t suggest that Google is abandoning the podcast trade altogether.

In 2021, a report from Bloomberg revealed that YouTube sought to rent somebody to supervise its podcasting enterprise.

This means that Google is dedicated to enhancing the podcast expertise on YouTube, and the corporate might not need to compete towards itself in that space.

Per a 2022 examine performed by Edison Analysis, YouTube is the main platform for podcast listening, adopted intently by Spotify.

That mentioned, it is smart why YouTube is the precedence for Google for podcasts.

It’s price noting that YouTube achieved this stage of recognition with out having a selected podcast class.

Earlier than August, YouTube didn’t have a selected podcast class. Customers needed to seek for them manually.

If Google discontinues its Podcasts app, the corporate will possible shift its focus to YouTube. This might imply {that a} YouTube Podcasts app is on the horizon.

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