Popular podcast app Pocket Casts app for Android and iOS went free back in 2019. Now the web and desktop apps on Windows and Mac have finally gone free without the need for Pocket Casts Plus subscription.
Pocket Casts was acquired by Automattic, the company known for WordPress.com and Gravatar back in July 2021 from a consortium of public radio organizations, including NPR, WNYC Studios, and others.
Pocket Casts’ decision to make its Web Player universally accessible aims to reinforce the following principles:
- Open Access: Podcasts should be available to everyone, regardless of platform or subscription.
- Organic Discovery: Listeners should have control over content discovery, rather than relying on algorithmic recommendations.
- User Control: Listeners should have comprehensive control over their listening experience, including playback speed, customization, and organization.
The Web Player allows users to stream any podcast episode directly from their browser without any account requirements.
Users who opt for a free account gain access to additional features, including:
- Synchronization of playback progress across devices.
- Management of podcast queues.
- Saving subscriptions and preferences.
These features are also extended to the Pocket Casts Mac and Windows Desktop Apps.
For users seeking enhanced features, Pocket Casts Plus (USD 3.99 / Rs. 418.95 per month or USD 39.99 / Rs. 4,198.88 per year) offers a subscription service that includes:
- Folder organization.
- Smart Shuffle functionality.
- Bookmarks and chapter preselection.
- Apple Watch & Wear OS apps
- 20GB cloud storage
- Extra themes & icons
- 1 year of exclusive content from Slumber Studios
Pocket Casts states that the release of the free Web Player is intended to be a statement about the importance of maintaining an open podcasting environment.
The company emphasizes the ease of sharing podcasts through open links, supporting podcasters’ ability to reach audiences without barriers.