Google has quietly removed embedded podcasts from search results, meaning users can no longer listen to podcast episodes directly from the SERPs.

This change was first spotted by Podnews, who received confirmation from a Google spokesperson that the removal was intentional.

This change impacts the ability to listen to individual podcast episodes without leaving Google, a feature that debuted in 2019.

Google still includes links to podcast episodes in search results, but users can’t listen to them directly from the search page.

Instead, users are directed to the website hosting the podcast.

The decision to remove embedded podcasts from search results was made to provide a better user experience, according to a Google spokesperson.

“We’re constantly experimenting with ways to improve the experience for our users,” the spokesperson said in a statement to Podnews.

It’s unclear how this improves the user experience, aside from creating a sleeker SERP.

While Google hasn’t made any prior announcement, the removal of embedded podcasts from search results isn’t unexpected as the Google Podcasts app hasn’t been updated in 18 months.

The move is likely to meet some disappointment from searchers who routinely use the feature.

On the other hand, this change could lead to more people subscribing to podcasts since they can no longer listen to them via a quick search.

Google’s decision to remove embedded podcasts from search results could be part of a broader strategy to phase out the Google Podcasts product.

The fact that the app hasn’t been updated in over a year suggests it may be headed for Google’s graveyard.

However, that doesn’t mean Google is abandoning the podcast industry entirely.

In 2021, a Bloomberg report revealed that YouTube was trying to hire someone to oversee its podcast business.

This suggests that Google is committed to improving the podcast experience on YouTube, and the company may not want to compete with itself in this space.

According to a 2022 study conducted by Edison Research, YouTube is the leading platform for listening to podcasts, closely followed by Spotify.

However, it makes sense why YouTube is Google’s priority for podcasts.

It’s worth noting that YouTube has achieved this popularity without having a specific podcast category.

Before August, YouTube didn’t have a dedicated podcast category. Users had to find them manually.

If Google retires its Podcasts app, the company will likely shift its focus to YouTube. This could mean that a YouTube podcasts app is on the horizon.

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