YouTube has started rolling out new Premium features focused on improving the podcast experience across YouTube and YouTube Music. The update aims to enhance playback control, listening efficiency, and podcast discovery.
Podcasts have become a global phenomenon on the platform, with more than 1 billion monthly active viewers worldwide, according to Steve McLendon, YouTube Podcasts Product Lead.
YouTube also notes that Premium users are major podcast consumers. In April 2026, YouTube Premium users (including trials) watched over 800 million hours of podcasts, according to internal data (global, April 2026).
Premium already includes features such as background play, Jump ahead, and faster playback speeds. The new updates build on these existing tools.
On-the-Go Mode
On-the-go mode is designed for listening during movement and multitasking.
- Supports background listening in real-world scenarios like commuting and running
- Offers simplified playback controls for easier access while on the move
- Enables quick actions such as skip forward and skip back
- Optimized for continuous playback in podcasts and long-form content
Auto Speed
Auto speed focuses on improving playback efficiency while maintaining clarity.
- Automatically adjusts playback speed during content playback
- Detects slower speech and information-heavy segments
- Reduces the need for manual speed adjustments
- Maintains comprehension while improving content consumption speed
Ask Music for Podcasts
Ask Music is expanding to support podcast discovery.
- Already available in YouTube Music for personalized radio and playlists
- Now extended to podcast recommendations
- Users can request recommendations based on mood, genre, or preferred shows
- Helps simplify discovery of new podcast content
Availability
- On-the-Go mode: Rolling out on Android, with iOS support coming later
- Auto Speed: Rolling out on Android, with iOS support coming later
- Ask Music podcast recommendations: Available for YouTube Music Premium and Premium subscribers in select countries