YouTube adds AI podcast recommendations for Premium members

YouTube is aggressively pursuing podcast listeners with a major feature update. Three new premium functions were introduced by YouTube to directly challenge Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and even Netflix’s growing list of video podcasts an AI recommendation function, intelligent auto speed adjustment, and the ability to listen in hands-free mode for easy podcast consumption on the go.

The new AI-powered recommendation function in YouTube works on the basis of the existing “Ask Music” feature, which allows users to create personalised radio stations and playlists. Now, users can ask for podcast recommendations depending on genres, current moods, or favourite podcasts.

With Netflix ramping up efforts on video podcasts, YouTube now needs to fight back with features that will make it easy for users to discover podcasts without putting any effort. The goal here is to recreate the same experience of "serendipitous discovery" enjoyed by Spotify users.

The "Auto speed" technology of YouTube is a considerable step above standard speed options. The algorithm will increase or decrease the speed according to the pace of the content, avoiding the necessity to listen to podcasts at the same speed all the time.

YouTube's technological approach sets the platform apart from others that do not have such dynamic speed controls.

The feature offers easy-to-use buttons for skipping through the podcast when jogging or commuting to other places. Listeners can navigate through the content using buttons and change speed while looking away from the device.

This particular YouTube feature is clearly meant to be used in the background mode, and it indicates that the platform recognises that their listeners need podcast functionalities when they are driving or working out.

The YouTube Premium audience spent over 800 million hours listening to podcasts in the month of April 2026 alone. The total user base for YouTube podcasts is in excess of 1 billion per month.