You can now search and listen to podcasts right from the Google app on Android

Earlier this week, podcast listening, subscribing, and syncing features were finally added to Play Music. While that app update is still rolling out, the Google app for Android has just gained similar podcast listening features.

When users search for a podcast from the Google toolbar on the homescreen, one of the first results will list the three most recent episodes with info such as date, length, and descriptions. There is also a ‘More episodes’ button that will show the full list of playable podcasts. Tapping play will bring up controls for play/pause, rewind, and fast-forward at the bottom of the screen and similar controls show up in the notifications shade.

The podcast will play in the background and users can keep using their phones and even turn off the screen. Unlike in Play Music, podcasters do not have to submit their shows ahead of time. Podcasts that doesn’t appear in Play Music are showing up in Google Search with play functionality.

With podcasts growing in popularity, this feature makes finding and listening to a podcast easier than ever. For podcasters, having their episodes show up in Google Search will likely bring in many more listens. For those who end up getting hooked to podcasts, Play Music will be a natural upgrade with better management, as well as features like notifications for new episodes and offline storage.

Unlike with Play Music, podcasts in the Google app on Android are available globally in English and is live now.