YouTube Rolls Out AI Podcast Recommendations and Auto Speed for Premium Users
On Thursday, YouTube unveiled new podcast functionalities for Premium subscribers, which include an AI-driven recommendation system, a feature for automatic speed adjustment, and a mode designed for listening while on the move. The AI tool recommends podcasts tailored to specific genres, moods, or previously enjoyed content, enhancing the current "Ask Music" personalized radio feature. The automatic speed setting adapts playback speed for clearer understanding during slower or complex segments. Meanwhile, the on-the-go mode offers streamlined controls for skipping, rewinding, or navigating episodes, ideal for activities such as running or commuting. Currently available on Android, these features will soon be introduced on iOS. In April 2026, YouTube noted that Premium users consumed over 800 million hours of podcasts, with YouTube Podcasts boasting over 1 billion monthly active users. These enhancements are designed to rival competitors like Netflix, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
Key facts
- YouTube announced new podcast features for Premium users on Thursday.
- Features include an AI-powered recommendation tool, Auto speed, and on-the-go mode.
- AI recommendations are based on genres, mood, or previously enjoyed shows.
- Auto speed adjusts playback speed during slower speech or dense segments.
- On-the-go mode offers quick controls for skipping and jumping episodes.
- Features are available on Android now, coming to iOS in the coming months.
- Premium users watched over 800 million hours of podcasts in April 2026.
- YouTube Podcasts has over 1 billion monthly active users.
Entities
Institutions
- YouTube
- Netflix
- Spotify
- Apple Podcasts