The easiest places to find podcasts

Podcasts live in dedicated apps on your phone, on your computer's web browser, and sometimes built into apps you already use. The three biggest places to start are Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube — each one has millions of shows, and you can search for almost any topic. If you have an iPhone, Apple Podcasts comes pre-installed. If you have Android, Spotify and YouTube are usually already there. On a computer, you can listen through a web browser without downloading anything.

You do not need to pay money to listen to most podcasts. Some shows offer bonus episodes or ad-free listening if you pay, but the main feed is free on every platform. The only real difference between platforms is which shows they carry (most are on all three, but some are exclusive to one) and how the app looks and feels.

Key Takeaways

  • Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube are the three largest platforms and have the widest selection of shows available.
  • You can listen on your phone through an app, on your computer through a web browser, or through smart speakers if you have one.
  • Most podcasts are free to listen to, though some creators offer paid subscriptions for bonus content or ad-free episodes.
  • Searching for a topic or creator name will show you available shows, and you can save shows to a list so new episodes download automatically.

Finding podcasts on Spotify

Open the Spotify app on your phone or go to spotify.com on a computer. At the bottom of the phone app, tap the magnifying glass icon to search. Type in a topic (like "true crime" or "cooking"), a creator's name, or a specific show title. Spotify will show you matching podcasts, and you can tap any one to see its description, how many episodes it has, and reviews from other listeners.

Once you find a show you want to hear, tap "Follow" on the phone app or "Follow" on the web version. This adds it to your library so new episodes appear automatically in your feed. You can then tap any episode to start listening. Spotify remembers where you stopped, so if you pause mid-episode, it picks up from that spot when you come back.

Finding podcasts on Apple Podcasts

On an iPhone or iPad, open the Podcasts app (it has a purple icon with a microphone). On a Mac computer, open the Podcasts app from your Applications folder. On a Windows computer, go to podcasts.apple.com in your web browser. In all three places, tap or click the search icon and type what you are looking for — a show name, a creator, or a topic.

When you find a show, tap or click the "Subscribe" button. This adds it to your library and tells Apple to download new episodes as they come out. You can then tap any episode to listen. The app keeps track of which episodes you have heard and which are new, so you always know where you left off.

Finding podcasts on YouTube

Go to youtube.com on a computer or open the YouTube app on your phone. Use the search bar at the top and type a podcast name, creator, or topic. YouTube will show you channels that upload podcasts. Some are official channels run by the creators themselves; others are uploaded by fans or third-party accounts. Look for the channel with the most subscribers and the official checkmark next to the name if one exists.

Click or tap "Subscribe" to follow the channel. YouTube will then notify you when new episodes upload. This method works well if you already spend time on YouTube, but the experience is less polished than dedicated podcast apps — you will see video thumbnails and comments instead of a podcast-specific layout.

Listening on smart speakers and other devices

If you own an Amazon Echo, Google Home, or Apple HomePod, you can ask the speaker to play a podcast by name. Say "Alexa, play [podcast name]" on Echo, "Hey Google, play [podcast name]" on Google Home, or "Hey Siri, play [podcast name]" on HomePod. The speaker will find the show and start playing the latest episode or a random one from the archive.

You can also listen through a car's built-in system if it connects to your phone via Bluetooth or Apple CarPlay. Once your phone is connected, open your podcast app and play an episode — the audio will come through your car's speakers. This is the safest way to listen while driving because you do not have to look at your phone.

Searching for specific topics and creators

All three major platforms have a search function that works the same way: type what you want and see what comes back. If you search for "history," you will see dozens of history podcasts ranked by popularity or relevance. If you search for a creator's name, you will see all their shows. If you search for a specific episode title, you might find it in the results, though this works better on some platforms than others.

Once you find a show, read the description to see what it is about, how long episodes usually are, and how often new ones come out. Look at the episode list to see how many episodes exist — a show with 500 episodes will keep you busy much longer than one with 10. Some shows have a single season; others release new episodes every week for years.

Saving shows and managing your library

Every platform lets you save shows to a personal library or list. On Spotify, this is called "Following." On Apple Podcasts, it is called "Subscribing." On YouTube, it is called "Subscribing" to the channel. Once you save a show, new episodes appear in your feed automatically, and you do not have to search for it again.

You can also create playlists or collections on some platforms. Spotify lets you add individual episodes to playlists. Apple Podcasts lets you mark episodes as favorites. YouTube lets you add videos to playlists. These features help you organize shows by topic or mood — for example, a playlist of comedy podcasts for when you want to laugh, or a collection of educational shows for learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay to listen to podcasts?

No. The vast majority of podcasts are free to listen to on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and other platforms. Some creators offer paid subscriptions for bonus episodes or ad-free versions, but you can always listen to the main show for free.

Can I download episodes to listen offline?

Yes. Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and most other apps let you download episodes to your phone so you can listen without an internet connection. Look for a download icon (usually a downward arrow) next to the episode. Downloaded episodes take up storage space on your phone, so delete old ones if you run low on space.

What if a podcast is only on one platform?

Some shows are exclusive to Spotify, Apple, or YouTube for a period of time, meaning they do not appear on other platforms. If you cannot find a show you want, check all three platforms. If it is exclusive, you will need to use that platform to listen. Most exclusive deals eventually end, and the show becomes available everywhere.

How do I find new podcasts to listen to?

All three platforms have "New and Trending" or "Popular" sections that show what other people are listening to. You can also look at the "Recommended" section, which suggests shows based on what you already follow. Asking friends what they listen to is often the fastest way to find something good.

Can I listen to the same podcast on multiple devices?

Yes. If you use the same account on your phone and computer, your library and listening history sync across devices. You can start an episode on your phone, pause it, and pick it up on your computer from the same spot. This works on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube as long as you are logged into the same account.