YouTube Music has podcasts built in: search or browse the Explore tab, open a show and tap Save to library, and new episodes collect in a New Episodes playlist. You don't need Premium for podcasts, because YouTube Music Help says you can download them and play most of them in the background regardless of membership.
That's the part people don't expect. Music needs Premium for downloads and background play, but podcasts mostly don't. The other surprise runs the other way: Premium doesn't remove every podcast ad. Here's how podcasts work in YouTube Music, including the RSS trick for shows that aren't on YouTube.
How to find and follow a podcast
- Open YouTube Music and use the search bar, or go to the Explore tab to browse popular shows and episodes in your country.
- Open the podcast's details page.
- Tap Save to library.
- Find it later under Library, in the Podcasts tab.
Every new episode from shows you follow also appears in the New Episodes playlist in your library, which is the easiest way to keep up.
What's free and what needs Premium
| Feature | Podcasts | Music |
|---|---|---|
| Download to listen offline | Free for everyone (some episodes may not offer audio-only download) | Premium only |
| Background play | Most podcasts, free | Premium only |
| Audio-only mode | Free for all podcast listeners, where available | Premium only |
| Casting to a speaker | Free | Premium for full casting from the web app |
| Android Auto and Apple CarPlay | Free | Premium |
| Ads | Premium members may still hear ads | No ads with Premium |
All of that comes from YouTube Music Help. The ad line is the one to know before you pay: YouTube says Music Premium members "may still experience ads on podcasts", and that creators can also embed their own promotions in a show.
How to download a podcast episode
- Go to the episode's detail page.
- Tap the Menu, then Download.
YouTube Music Help notes that full-show downloads and Smart Downloads aren't available for podcasts yet, so you download episode by episode. Downloads, music or podcasts, need you to reconnect to the internet at least once every 30 days to keep them. If you travel abroad as a Premium member, YouTube says podcast downloads aren't available outside the US. For how downloads work in general, see my YouTube Music offline guide.
How to add a podcast by RSS feed
If a show isn't on YouTube, you can still add it by its RSS feed. You need to be signed in with an adult (18+) account.
- In the YouTube Music app, tap Library.
- Tap Podcast at the top of the screen.
- Tap Add podcast in the bottom right corner.
- Choose Add a podcast by RSS feed and accept the disclaimer.
- Paste the RSS feed URL and tap Add.
Most feeds show up within minutes, with a small badge next to the title. To remove one, tap the menu next to it in your library and choose Remove from Library.
What RSS podcasts can't do
RSS shows play like any other podcast, but YouTube Music Help lists what you lose:
- Switching between audio and video
- Liking or disliking
- Sharing shows or episodes
- Seeing the podcast's channel page
- Reporting shows or episodes
- Captions
There's also a privacy point: when you play a podcast from an RSS feed, the host of that feed can see your IP address. And YouTube says RSS shows may not follow its Community Guidelines, so problems go to the publisher, not YouTube.
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Why episode dates sometimes look wrong
If an episode's date doesn't match what you saw elsewhere, there's a reason. YouTube Music Help says it shows the episode release date on some screens and the YouTube publish date on others. The release date isn't verified by YouTube and the creator can edit it, so an old episode can look new, or the other way round.
Moving your podcasts from another app
This is where it gets awkward. YouTube Music's playlist transfer tool imports playlists, albums and artists from other services, but YouTube Music Help says podcasts can't be imported or exported. You'll need to search for each show and save it again, or add it by RSS.
My verdict
YouTube Music is a perfectly good free podcast app, and the free downloads and background play beat what you get for music. If podcasts are your main reason for considering Premium, don't upgrade for them: you'd still hear ads. Save your shows, use the New Episodes playlist, and use RSS for anything YouTube doesn't host. If you're weighing up the free tier in general, what free YouTube Music includes covers the rest.
Frequently asked questions
Can you listen to podcasts on YouTube Music for free?
Yes. YouTube Music Help says you can download podcasts regardless of membership, and most podcasts play in the background for free.
Does YouTube Music Premium remove podcast ads?
No. YouTube says Music Premium members may still experience ads on podcasts, and creators can embed their own promotions.
How do I add a podcast to YouTube Music by RSS?
Go to Library, tap Podcast, tap Add podcast, choose Add a podcast by RSS feed, accept the disclaimer, paste the feed URL and tap Add. You need an adult account.
Can I transfer podcasts to YouTube Music from another app?
No. YouTube Music Help says podcasts can't be imported or exported with its transfer tool, so you need to save each show again or add it by RSS.
