YouTube takes baby steps to being a real podcast app | The VergeSkip to main contentThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.The VergeThe Verge logo.TechReviewsScienceEntertainmentAIPolicyNotificationsNotificationsHamburger Navigation ButtonThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.NotificationsNotificationsHamburger Navigation ButtonNavigation DrawerThe VergeThe Verge logo.Login / Sign UpcloseCloseSearchTechExpandAmazonAppleFacebookGoogleMicrosoftSamsungBusinessSee all techReviewsExpandSmart Home ReviewsPhone ReviewsTablet ReviewsHeadphone ReviewsSee all reviewsScienceExpandSpaceEnergyEnvironmentHealthSee all scienceEntertainmentExpandTV ShowsMoviesAudioSee all entertainmentAIExpandOpenAIAnthropicSee all AIPolicyExpandAntitrustPoliticsLawSecuritySee all policyGadgetsExpandLaptopsPhonesTVsHeadphonesSpeakersWearablesSee all gadgetsVerge ShoppingExpandBuying GuidesDealsGift GuidesSee all shoppingGamingExpandXboxPlayStationNintendoSee all gamingStreamingExpandDisneyHBONetflixYouTubeCreatorsSee all streamingTransportationExpandElectric CarsAutonomous CarsRide-sharingScootersSee all transportationFeaturesVerge VideoExpandTikTokYouTubeInstagramPodcastsExpandDecoderThe VergecastVersion HistoryNewslettersArchivesStoreVerge Product UpdatesSubscribeFacebookThreadsInstagramYoutubeRSSThe VergeThe Verge logo.YouTube takes baby steps to being a real podcast appNotificationsNotificationsComments DrawerNotificationsCommentsLoading commentsGetting the conversation ready...StreamingCloseStreamingPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All StreamingAICloseAIPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All AINewsCloseNewsPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All NewsYouTube takes baby steps to being a real podcast appA new listening mode adds audio-specific controls, but only for Premium subscribers.A new listening mode adds audio-specific controls, but only for Premium subscribers.by Stevie BonifieldCloseStevie BonifieldNews WriterPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Stevie BonifieldMay 28, 2026, 4:05 PM UTCLinkShareGiftImage: YouTubeStevie BonifieldCloseStevie BonifieldPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Stevie Bonifield is a news writer covering all things consumer tech. Stevie started out at Laptop Mag writing news and reviews on hardware, gaming, and AI.New features coming to YouTube could make it better for listening to podcasts, rolling out to Premium subscribers starting today on Android and coming later to iOS.A new “on-the-go mode” shifts YouTube into an audio-first layout, with larger, simplified playback buttons, a still image in place of the video, and a timeline showing video chapters. YouTube says you can turn on this new mode in a video’s settings — a pop up will also appear if YouTube detects you’re moving around while watching a video.If you like to speed up your podcasts to get through episodes faster, YouTube’s new auto speed feature can help you automate that process. It automatically adjusts playback speed based on a video’s content and the minimum speed you set. During slower or less important moments of a video or podcast, it will quicken playback and return to your baseline speed afterward.YouTube is also expanding its Ask Music AI search feature to include podcasts. In the YouTube Music app, you can use chatbot prompts to ask for podcast recommendations based on genre, activity, or creator. 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YouTube is progressing toward becoming a more functional podcast application by rolling out several new features, primarily targeting Premium subscribers. A significant development is the introduction of a new listening mode that incorporates audio-specific controls, which is currently exclusive to Premium members. Furthermore, the platform is implementing an "on-the-go mode" designed to prioritize audio listening, fundamentally shifting the interface. This mode features larger, simplified playback buttons, replaces the traditional video with a still image, and integrates a timeline display showing video chapters.

To enhance the listening experience for content like podcasts, YouTube has introduced an automated playback speed feature. This auto speed function dynamically adjusts playback rate based on the content, speeding up playback during slower or less critical segments of the video or podcast, and then reverting to the user's baseline speed once those sections are completed. In addition to these viewing modes, YouTube is expanding its integration with artificial intelligence for content discovery. The Ask Music AI search feature is being broadened to encompass podcasts, enabling users to utilize chatbot prompts to receive specific podcast recommendations based on chosen genres, ongoing activities, or the creator of the content. This mirrors functionality introduced by competitors like Spotify, positioning YouTube as a more comprehensive multimedia listening environment.