Pocket Casts Makes Web Player Free to Use
Pocket Casts, the popular podcast app that was acquired by Automattic in 2021, has announced that it is now offering its web player for free. This move is aimed at providing an alternative to the closed ecosystems of big platforms, where algorithmic-driven content is prioritized and podcasts are often hidden behind paywalls.
Podcasts have always been built on open technology, specifically the open and decentralized standard RSS. This technology was designed to make online audio content, as well as news and blog posts, freely available to anyone on the web. In line with this ethos, Pocket Casts is now making its web player accessible to everyone without the need for a subscription or account.
While the basic features of the web player are free for all users, those who wish to personalize their experience can create a free account. This account will unlock additional features such as syncing playback across different devices, managing their queue, and saving subscriptions and preferences.
For users who want even more control over their listening experience, Pocket Casts offers a paid subscription called Pocket Casts Plus. This subscription includes features like folders, smart shuffle, bookmarks, wearable and cloud support, extra themes and icons, and more.
Unlike some other platforms, Pocket Casts does not rely on AI-powered discovery for suggesting podcasts to users. Instead, the company believes in letting users decide for themselves what they want to listen to. This approach may appeal to those who feel overwhelmed by the algorithmic recommendations of platforms like Spotify.
In addition to making the web player free, Pocket Casts is also introducing free streaming on its Mac and Windows apps. This update is part of the company’s efforts to compete with Apple Podcasts, which introduced web streaming in August 2024.
