[ortusdux]

I'm still shocked that Google has not made a podcast platform wherein they manage the ads and subscriptions. Host the audio, inject ads at the breaks, allow paid subscriptions that remove the ads, have a monthly payment option, etc. Basically half YouTube half Audible.

I do listen to one podcast that has an ad-free feed for patreon supporters. It works rather well and they have add a surprising amount of bonus content for subscribers.

[0xffff2]

How is the ad-free feed hosted? I'd love for this to be a widespread thing, but I listen to podcasts almost entirely during long drives, so I worry that paid content will fragment distribution.

[ortusdux]

https://www.patreon.com/law

You get a unique RSS feed for the commercial free episodes and bonus content.

[komali2]

I don't trust Google to make a product of that quality or usefulness.

They already had a superior product to competition, in my opinion: Google Play Music, better than Spotify. Better UI, didn't crash, better app, more reliable casting, etc. But they're closing it and making you switch to Youtube Music. Under the hood, they won't register new agencies for submitting to Google Play Music. Current ones can so you'll still see new music, but the point is they're pushing everyone to probably the worst music playing app I've ever seen in my life.

So, if they were going to do it, they'd do it on Youtube Music, but that app is hot garbage, so, don't expect too high.

[DataGata]

"YouListen"