Online video sharing and social media platform, YouTube has reportedly added YouTube.com/podcasts, a dedicated podcast page for some users in the United States.
According to credible sources, the podcast page went live last month and is now linked for some users on the existing explore page alongside other top destinations like Gaming, Fashion, Sports, Learning, and others.
Earlier this year, the reports indicated that YouTube was adding a dedicated podcast homepage, hinting that the company was seriously considering its investments in podcasts and the potential ad revenue it could deliver.
Now, the tech behemoth has confirmed that the new podcast destination is live for some U.S. users, following the URL was found to be live before any formal announcement.
Upon being quizzed, YouTube stated that the URL is currently not available globally.
YouTube spokesperson, Paul Pennigton cited that the podcast destination page on YouTube assists users in exploring new and trending podcast episodes, creators and shows, along with recommending podcast content.
However, on asking about further podcast plans, YouTube refrained from divulging further details. Apparently, it hinted that a broader announcement would be made in the coming months.
Several hints related to the firm getting more serious about podcasts are being spread, especially after audio streaming and media services provider Spotify entered the same space with its support for video podcasts.
YouTube also employed Podcast Executive Kai Chuk last year to lead its effort in this ecosystem and has offered cash to famous podcasters for filming their shows.
Moreover, in March this year, a credible source leaked an 84-page presentation listing YouTube's podcast roadmap.
In the document, YouTube mentioned that it intended to test the functionality by assimilating RSS feeds. In addition, it also included a new URL, YouTube.com/podcasts, although the link was not functional at the time.
Source Credit - https://techcrunch.com/2022/08/22/youtube-launches-a-dedicated-podcasts-homepage-for-u-s-users/