In the age of subscription-based — yet still somehow with ads — everything, it’s an odd twist to see a company move from fee to free.
Yet that’s precisely what podcast app Pocket Casts has done with its web streaming and desktop apps.
Why?
Per Pocket Casts’ announcement, it believes that major platforms have shifted away from systems where anyone can create, share, and listen to content freely and toward those that limit distribution and use algorithms to control discovery.
Pocket Casts instead advocates for open access and organic discovery not driven by AI or algorithms.
Is it sustainable?
While web streaming is now free, there are still paid subscriptions for users who want additional features, including organization tools, storage space, and access to Slumber Studios’ sleep content.
That may appeal to the people who want to ditch bloated apps that force ads and algorithms down their throat, as evidenced by the interest in Bluesky and decentralized Instagram alternatives like Pixelfed and Flashes.
To that end:
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Pocket Casts’ web player is simple: It displays trending shows and curated collections, plus the option to search by name or categories — no pop-up ads or notifications trying to play music videos or hype featured artists.
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It’s also useful for people who just want to share podcasts with others in a way that doesn’t require them to log into anything or create an account.
But also, How to Geek speculates that Pocket Casts may have had to make its web player free just to keep up.
Apple recently launched a free web app that works across platforms, Spotify is signing off on exclusive deals with top creators, and YouTube has surpassed both as the leading podcast platform.
Pocket Casts adding free web streaming may cost it subscribers who paid only for that option — but could it pay off in new users who want something simpler, then become paid subscribers?
