# **Pocket Casts Offers Its Web Player for Free: A Triumph for Open Podcasting**
## **Introduction**
In a development that supports the open spirit of podcasting, Pocket Casts has made its web player free for all users. Once restricted to paying subscribers, the web player now enables anyone to stream publicly available podcast feeds without needing a subscription. This choice reflects Pocket Casts’ belief that “podcasts belong to the people, not corporations,” underscoring the platform’s dedication to ensuring podcasting remains open and accessible.
## **The Transition to Free Access**
Pocket Casts, a subsidiary of Automattic Inc. (the entity behind WordPress), previously charged $4 monthly for its web player access. Now, users can stream almost any podcast feed, adjust playback speeds, and queue episodes without any fees. Those who sign up for an account can also synchronize their listening progress, manage their queue, bookmark key moments, and retain their subscriptions and settings.
This free access is also available on Pocket Casts’ desktop clients for **Windows** and **Mac**, facilitating easier listening for users on various devices.
## **A Stand Against Closed Platforms**
Pocket Casts’ choice is a direct reaction to the growing corporatization of podcasting. The company’s blog post highlights that “the future of podcasting shouldn’t be confined within walled gardens,” a pointed critique of platforms like **Spotify**, which has aggressively acquired exclusive podcast content and data tools.
Spotify, for instance, has invested millions in acquiring podcasts such as *The Joe Rogan Experience* and in developing proprietary podcasting formats. Conversely, Pocket Casts remains dedicated to the **RSS-driven, open nature of podcasting**, enabling creators to share their content freely without needing approval from a singular platform.
## **The Struggle for Podcasting’s Future**
The podcasting landscape has experienced considerable changes in recent years. Although podcasting began as an open medium, major platforms like Spotify and Apple have sought exclusivity, complicating competition for independent apps. Pocket Casts’ initiative to provide free access stands as a counter to this trend, ensuring that podcast discovery stays **organic rather than algorithm-guided**.
Spotify has also begun exploring **video podcasts**, aiming to take on YouTube. This pivot raises concerns about whether the original audio-first, open essence of podcasting will be eclipsed by corporate-controlled environments.
## **Pocket Casts’ Evolution**
Pocket Casts was initially launched in 2011 by the Australian team **Shifty Jelly**. In 2018, it was acquired by a partnership of public radio entities, including **NPR, WNYC, WBEZ Chicago, and This American Life**. However, the app struggled to gain momentum under their management and was ultimately sold to **Automattic** in 2021.
Since that transition, Pocket Casts has continued to function as an independent podcast player, providing features that appeal to users who favor an open ecosystem over platform-governed options.
## **Competition in the Podcasting Arena**
While Pocket Casts is offering its web player for free, other significant players are also broadening their services:
– **Apple Podcasts** now provides a **free web version**, although it primarily acts as a portal to its native iOS app.
– **Google Podcasts** was discontinued in 2024, with users being redirected to **YouTube Music** as Google’s favored podcasting solution.
Despite these developments, third-party podcast applications like Pocket Casts still cater to users seeking a **platform-independent** experience.
## **Conclusion**
Pocket Casts’ choice to offer its web player for free is a pivotal move towards maintaining podcasting’s openness and accessibility. By resisting the trend of exclusive, corporate-dominated podcasting, the platform advocates for a future where listeners can freely decide how and where they engage with content.
As the podcasting industry advances, the conflict between **open platforms and closed systems** will persist. For now, Pocket Casts is sending a powerful message: **podcasting should remain free, open, and accessible to everyone.**
