Pocket Casts Web Player Now Free | Podcast App

Pocket Casts Web Player Now Available for Free

Pocket Casts, the podcast application obtained by Automattic in 2021, has announced the removal of fees for its web player. This decision is presented as a counterpoint to the restrictive practices of larger platforms.

Challenging Closed Ecosystems

The company asserts that this change provides a viable option to the dominant platforms’ walled gardens. These platforms often prioritize content curated by algorithms and restrict access to podcasts through subscription models.

A Return to Open Standards

Podcasts were originally founded upon open technologies, specifically the RSS standard. This decentralized system was created to ensure free and universal access to online audio, news, and blog content.

Beginning Tuesday, Pocket Casts will reaffirm the open principles of podcasting by offering its web player without charge.

Accessing Content

This means any individual can access the Pocket Casts website and listen to any podcast episode they choose, without the need for a paid subscription or account creation.

Optional Account Features

Users who desire a more customized experience can establish a complimentary account. This unlocks functionalities such as playback synchronization across various devices – web, mobile, and desktop.

Account creation also enables queue management and the preservation of subscriptions and personalized settings.

Pocket Casts Plus Subscription

The Pocket Casts Plus paid subscription continues to be available, offering enhanced control over the listening experience.

Features included with the Plus subscription are folders, intelligent shuffle, bookmarks, support for wearables and cloud storage, additional themes, and customizable icons.

No Algorithmic Recommendations

The company explicitly states that AI-driven content discovery is not integrated into its service.

Instead of algorithmic suggestions, Pocket Casts empowers users to independently select the podcasts they wish to hear.

Appealing to User Preference

This approach may resonate with listeners who feel that platforms like Spotify are overly assertive with their recommendations, potentially hindering engagement with preferred shows.

Competition in the Market

The introduction of free web streaming also positions Pocket Casts to compete with Apple Podcasts, which launched similar functionality in August 2024.

Expanded Availability

Free streaming capabilities are also being extended to the Pocket Casts applications for Mac and Windows as part of this update.