Podcasts have become a lot more popular as time has gone on. They jumped from being niche to becoming a huge media powerhouse. However, as this medium matured, the platforms that host it seem to have rewarded video content over the audio itself.
A great podcasting setup should just fade into the background when you need it to, with effortless playback, fantastic sound quality, and an interface designed specifically for your ears, definitely not your eyes. YouTube doesn’t offer that, but Audible does, in my experience.
YouTube’s issue is video-first listening
For the longest time, I totally relied on YouTube for my podcasts because the recommendation engine was just so incredible and the platform has a lot to choose from. Eventually, though, trying to use the entire app became far too much trouble if I only wanted something purely auditory.
The biggest issue is that you either have to keep your screen awake the entire time or you have to shell out cash for a premium subscription just so you can listen in the background. Unlike apps designed specifically for audio, YouTube’s free tier does not let you use an audio-only mode with background playback. The second you lock your display, the conversation cuts off. That feature really drains your battery fast and completely takes over your phone, demanding resources for video processing even when all you really need is the audio track.
Instead of letting me passively listen to a conversation while I was driving or doing chores, I felt like I was totally stuck looking at the device. I found myself either trying to prep the next episode or just glued to the display because something interesting was happening on the screen.
This visual demand is completely by design because creators on the platform are incentivized to boost viewer retention rates, which is a key metric for the YouTube algorithm, by adding visual hooks, B-roll, and dynamic editing. Some podcasters know they have to keep exciting things happening to prevent viewers from leaving, but for an audio-first consumer, it’s honestly just a big distraction.
Even when channels upload audio-only episodes through RSS feeds, YouTube still converts them into “videos” with static imagery, reinforcing that the entire ecosystem is fundamentally built for eyes, not just ears.
Audible was made with listening at the forefront
Moving over to Audible was an immediate fix for me because it offers a selection that is totally built for your listening, not watching. YouTube has aggressively pivoted toward video, while the Amazon-owned service has stuck to being a pure audio experience. This distinction is really vital for those of us who aren’t trying to add to our screen time. Unlike YouTube, which usually needs visual engagement to get the full context of a show, Audible’s platform is designed to let you escape into stories without needing to glance at a device.
It’s not difficult to search YouTube and find a bunch of uninteresting people who don’t have much to say, or just want to parrot what they heard on other podcasts. Audible does not have that issue. Plenty of podcasts are made by intelligent hosts, and you gain a lot while you listen. The service has moved far beyond simple recordings to offer scripted audio dramas and well-researched narratives that feel more like movies for your ears than standard vlogs.
I pay a premium for YouTube, but now that is mostly for my wife. I would much rather spend less money on Audible Plus to listen to whoever I want. An Audible membership unlocks the Plus Catalog, providing unlimited access to thousands of audiobooks and podcasts without the friction of video-first ads or playback limitations. The Rest Is History, American History Tellers, and The Bible in a Year are my favorites.
Access to high-quality story-driven shows like American History Tellers has even gotten better thanks to Amazon’s acquisition of Wondery, which fills the library with even more content. Also, shows like The Bible in a Year are usually in the top listens. The top podcasts on YouTube are just videocasts.
Audible is much easier to use than YouTube
One of the best reasons to switch platforms is how practical it is for managing your device and storage on Audible. I really appreciate that downloading episodes for offline listening takes up way less memory than YouTube, and you do not have to jump through a ton of complicated hoops just to make it happen.
If you are on Google’s video site, offline listening often feels like this big privilege that is gated behind paying for a premium subscription. When you do save it, you’re downloading an entire video instead of just the audio. This means bigger file sizes for YouTube, and Audible makes offline access a core feature rather than treating it like some luxurious add-on.
YouTube’s downloads are found in the library menu, but you have to scroll to get to it on your phone. Audible just has you go to your collection, as usual, so you’re avoiding an interface that is hard to navigate and doing what you’re used to.
The app also comes packed with tools that were specifically tailored just for listeners. You get essential tools like a customizable sleep timer and a dedicated Car Mode that are integrated right into the player. You can use YouTube in your vehicle, but it’s not made well.
I’ve noticed that YouTube defaults to Music, so raising the volume shifts it back to whatever is playing on YouTube Music. Audible does not have that problem at all; it is as if it is a native app.
The playback control is also great. It lets you adjust narration speeds in a big way, ranging from 0.5x all the way up to 3.5x speed. Instead of picking an option, there is a slider that lets you get the perfect pace. The voices are also clear enough to be understandable even at faster rates.
The platform you choose makes a huge difference in how you listen to a podcast. If you are someone who truly loves audio, it is time to stop just accepting whatever the standard default option happens to be. Platforms like Audible are excellent examples of what a truly audio-first service looks like.
If you’ve never tried it, there are free trials that you can take advantage of. Not having a video to see will take time to get used to, but you’ll find yourself being much more productive and focused on your other tasks.
- Compatibility
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Android, iOS, Sonos, Fire TV, Alexa, Kindle
- Free Trial Period
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30 days
Audible Premium Plus not only gives you access to the 11,000+ titles in the Plus Catalog but also grants you a credit or two each month to purchase any book Audible sells.
