Google will be removing the feature of allowing users to access playable podcasts directly from Google Search results, which was officially launched in 2019. This featured surfaced podcasts to match the user's query. 

But several users noticed that podcast carousels disappeared from Google Search results. In a new update, Google confirmed that this will be replaced by a personalized podcast directory.

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A picture taken on February 8, 2019 in Paris shows a smartphone and its earphones as an audio podcast is being played.

Google Search Podcast Directory

Google launched a new update in Google Search. In a report from 9To5Google, searching for a type of podcast will surface a new card for users. "What to Podcast" starts by letting users filter the results by app/service availability, country, and other topics. 

Several shows will surface in various carousels like popular podcasts, established series, politically driven, and more. Tapping one carousel brings users to a card with cover art and links to listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Podcasts, and Google Podcasts, with a "Visit Website" button on the side.

Users will also be seeing the description, genre, release frequency, and average episode duration, followed by the three latest episodes of the certain podcast. While all of the information will be presented to users, they cannot tap to jump into that episode, which was previously a Google Podcast integration feature.

Suggestions will be personalized based on the users' past searchers, browsing history, saved podcasts, and podcast preferences. Google spokesperson stated that "What to Podcast" will provide detailed information, linked to different platforms, and links to podcasters' websites. 

Google suggested in their announcement that if the user wants more generic suggestions and does not want to have a specific type of content, recommendations can also be turned off. This feature is only available in English in the United States and is currently live on mobile.

Also Read: Spotify Debuts 'Podcast Audio Enhancement' in Anchor App for Creators

Removing Playable Podcasts Directly in Results

While YouTue offers Youtube podcasts, several users were dismayed regarding this news as both platforms served different needs for their users. Last January, PodNews.Net reported that Google Search removed Podcasts from its platform. 

During this time, there were no confirmations about what will happen with this feature. But a spokesperson from Google revealed later on that the removal was intended as they will be experimenting with new ways to improve the users' experience. 

For 18 months of its operations, the Google Podcast app provided no feature updates. TechCrunch reported that the feature was also not a remarkably well-executed product of Google Search since the feature did not offer a way to do much more than click to play an episode. 

In comparison to Youtube's Podcast vertical, podcast creators can create an index to various parts of an episode that will allow users to jump directly to the section they prefer. If the creators choose to film the episode, users can also watch a videocast. 

Related Article: Google Podcasts Updates with 'Subscription Feed' and New Features for Android and iOS Users