How to Listen to Podcasts on Android in 5 Easy Steps

Are you having a boring day and want to unwind? You can check out podcasts; they’re a great source of inspiration, ideas, and learning. Podcasts are not exclusive to the Apple ecosystem and can be enjoyed on Android. Moreover, there are multiple ways to listen to podcasts on Android; therefore, you can pick the most convenient for you. We will show you the steps to listen to your podcasts, and they are easy.

Method 1: Using Google Podcasts

Let’s start off with the Google Podcasts app. First, you’ll need to install the app from Google Play Store. You can search podcasts of various categories or genres by name. The app also alerts you after a new episode of your subscribed podcast is released. Here is how to go about it

Step 1: Get the Google Podcasts App 

On your Android device, open the Play Store app and “search Google Podcasts.” Tap Install to download and install the app. 

Step 2: Go to Explore 

After the app has been downloaded and installed, “tap Open” and then go to Explore. Alternatively, tap the search bar at the top to enter the name of a podcast. 

Step 3: Search for the Podcast You Need 

Enter the name of the podcast you want to listen to in the search bar and tap the icon at the bottom right corner to search. This will display several results related to the title you typed. 

Alternatively, you can explore and select the genre, then scroll through the options to find your preferred podcast. 

Step 4: Listen to the Podcast 

After you get your podcast, open it and select the play icon at the timeline to start listening. 

Step 5: Download or Subscribe to the Podcast

If you wish to download the podcast, tap the downward-facing arrow below the title. You can also subscribe to the podcast by tapping the plus icon next to the podcast run time. 

Method 2: Using the Podcasts Website 

Some websites showcase podcasts, but you’ll have to open the site in your browser. Let’s look at the steps in detail.

Step 1: Search for the Name of the Podcast 

Open your preferred browser on your phone, such as Chrome, and enter the name of the podcast or website on the search bar, then search. 

Step 2: Locate Your Podcast 

Open the results that match your search. While on the webpage, scroll through and select the podcast of your choice. Tap the play icon to start listening. 

Listening to podcasts through the podcast website is ideal, especially when you prefer not to download an app. Unfortunately, it’s limiting since you might require to open a different website for each podcast. 

Method 3: Using Third-Party Podcast Apps 

You can listen to podcasts via different Android apps available on the Google Play Store. These apps include Pocket Casts, PodBean, Castbox, and Podcast Player. Let’s take the Podcast Player app as an example.

Step 1: Get the App 

Open Google Play Store and “search Podcast Player.” Tap Install to download and install the free app. 

Step 2: Select the Topics of Interest 

Once the app has been installed, open it at Google Play Store or tap its icon from the device’s app drawer.

Next, select the categories of podcasts you would love to listen to or “tap Select all” to select all available categories, then “click Continue.”

Step 3: Get the Podcast

On the podcast page, tap the search icon at the top right corner, enter the podcast name you need, and search. Alternatively, look for an interesting podcast under the Featured tab. You can make your search more specific by switching to the Trending, Categories, or Networks tab.

Step 4: Play, Share, or Subscribe to the Episode 

After picking a  podcast, tap it to select the episode you would love to listen to. Still, you can subscribe to the podcast to stay updated on new episodes by tapping the Subscribe icon. Additionally, you can share the podcast by tapping the share icon at the top right corner. 

Method 4: Using YouTube 

Discover podcasts on YouTube. Below are the steps for watching a podcast on YouTube. 

Step 1: Open the YouTube App on Your Device 

Look for YouTube in your app drawer or search for it. After you locate it, tap to open.

Step 2: Search for the Podcast 

Type the name of the podcast you are looking for and search. Select the most relevant result from the search results. 

Although YouTube is also a recommendable way of listening to Android podcasts, it has several disadvantages. First, you must know the podcast’s name to ease your search. Additionally, not all podcasts are on YouTube.

It is also hard to play a podcast in the background or use picture-in-picture unless you upgrade to YouTube Premium. Therefore, use this option as a last resort if other methods have failed or they don’t have the podcast you are looking for. 

Method 5: Browse iTunes on the Web

Apple users mostly use Apple Podcasts to search and listen to podcasts. Android users can also access this directory by searching for “iTunes” online. On the flip side, the site is a little outdated, and it’s not great for mobile users. However, it helps to know that it’s an option for you. Below are the steps you follow. 

Step 1: Search for iTunes on the Web

Open your browser and search podcasts.apple.com. This will open the Apple Podcast Directory with various podcast categories.  

Step 2: Get Your Podcast 

Tap the search icon at the top of the page to open a search bar and enter the podcast’s name. Then, tap the title to open its episodes and select the one you want. 

Conclusion 

As an Android user, it does not mean you are disadvantaged in listening to your favorite podcasts. In fact, you are spoiled for choice on the options we’ve listed. Even so, the Google Podcast app is a popular method among Android users.

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