Apple officially launches Apple Podcasts Subscriptions marketplace

Apple has officially launched its Apple Podcasts Subscriptions marketplace around the globe.

Apple flagged the platform in in April, but from this week, listeners are able to purchase subscriptions for individual podcasts and groups of shows through a number of channels, providing them access to ad-free listening, early or exclusive episodes as well as additional content

Pricing for subscriptions is set by creators and billed monthly by default.

Users are able to explore channels through the Listen Now and Browse tabs to support their favourite creators and find similar podcasts.

Southern Cross Austereo’s LiSTNR, ABC and SBS have signed up with Apple Podcasts Subscriptions upon launch, while international groups to utilise the marketplace include VICE, The New York Times, The Guardian, Dateline, Billboard, NBC Sports and National Geographic.

Oliver Schusser, vice president of Apple Music and Beats, said that Apple Podcasts Subscriptions would allow listeners to connect with and support their favourite creators in an exciting new manner.

“Listeners can’t get enough of their favourite podcasts and want a simple way to support the extraordinary creators who make them possible,” Schusser said.

“Now, listeners can enjoy new content and additional benefits for thousands of new and popular podcasts, alongside millions of free shows, with more arriving every week. Apple Podcasts Subscriptions will help creators grow their businesses and continue to make podcasting an important source of information, entertainment, connection, and inspiration for hundreds of millions of listeners around the world.”

Find out more about Apple Podcasts Subscriptions here.