YouTube brings three new features for podcast fans

YouTube has decided to give a gift to podcast lovers. Three new features have been announced to improve the experience on the platform. We are talking about Auto speed, On-the-go mode, and Ask Music for podcasts. For now, only Android users will be able to enjoy them, but iOS users don't need to worry: the new features will arrive soon, according to Google.

Auto speed is a lifesaver for those with no time to waste. It automatically adjusts the playback speed, speeding up when the talk slows down or when the conversation is too dense. It's like having a personal DJ who understands the rhythm of your playlist. Unlike manual speed control, which is rigid, this feature adapts to what is happening in the conversation.

On-the-go mode is perfect for those who can't sit still. You know when you're on the bus or running in the park and want to change episodes without having to stop everything? This mode makes it easy to access listening controls, allowing you to fast-forward, rewind, or skip to the next episode without hassle. All this while the podcast continues playing in the background. These two features were already in the experimental phase but are now official for YouTube Premium subscribers on Android.

And Ask Music? Ah, that is a well-known feature for YouTube Music subscribers, but now it ventures into the podcast world. The tool uses artificial intelligence to create personalized radios and playlists, and now it also suggests podcasts that match your taste, mood, or shows you already enjoy. Despite taking two years to reach podcasts, Ask Music is still restricted to a few countries.

With more than 800 million hours of podcasts watched by Premium users in April 2026, YouTube is showing it means business. The platform has more than 1 billion monthly active users just for podcasts. And all this movement shows the fight is heating up. On one side, we have audio giants like Spotify and Apple Podcasts. On the other, video platforms like Netflix, which are also keeping an eye on the video podcast format.

Google is investing heavily to make YouTube stand out. Recently, YouTube Music gained a feature that even Spotify doesn't have, something similar to Reddit communities. It seems the podcast war is just beginning. And who wins? We do, of course.