Alexa can now queue up for podcasts as Spotify and Apple announced that streaming through their podcasts app now works with Alexa. So if you have an Amazon Echo device or an Alexa-enabled speaker, just ask the assistant to play the podcast you want to hear.
Apple Podcasts is perhaps the most popular podcast streaming platform, although Spotify is becoming one of its main competitors, most likely thanks to exclusive deals from Jemele Hill, Amy Schumer, and even Barack and Michelle Obama. While available on a wide range of devices, including Alexa devices, Apple's podcasts are more limited, but are still available online, on Apple devices, and now, on Alexa devices.
The new Alexa skills for podcasts from Apple and Spotify officially launched on December 13 in the US. Here's how they work.
How to ask Alexa to play Apple's podcasts
If you're ready to start the latest episode of your favorite podcast, such as the Bill Simmons Podcast, then all you have to do is turn on the Apple Podcasts skill and tell your Alexa device, "Alexa, play Bill Simmons Podcast on Apple Podcasts." Then, the last episode will play.
We suggest making apple podcast the default platform for podcasts, but it's not required. Just a link to your Apple ID for the Alexa app. By doing this, you will be able to resume the podcasts you started on other devices. For example, you can start on your iPhone, stop and resume later on Echo. Just say, “Alexa, continue playing the Bill Simmons podcast,” and he'll pick up the rights where you left off.
- Turn on Apple Mastery Podcasts on Alexa (here).
- Open the Alexa app on your mobile device.
- Find the settings menu.
- Scroll down until you see the Music and Podcasts menu.
- Select the new account link.
- Select Apple Podcasts and follow the instructions.
- After that, return to the Music and Podcasts menu.
- Select Apple's default podcasts.
Once you're done, try one of the following commands:
- “Alexa, to play Conan O'Brien needs a friend on the Apple podcast.”
- “Alexa, play daily from Yesterday on the Apple podcast.”
- “Alexa, keep playing business wars on the Apple podcast.”
How to ask Alexa to play Spotify podcasts
Podcasting via Spotify requires two things: Linking your Spotify account to Alexa, and making the default Spotify music service and podcast platform when using Alexa. Once you've done that, you'll find and play podcasts as well as switch between devices.
- Enable Spotify Mastery on Alexa (here).
- Open the Alexa app on your mobile device.
- Find the settings menu.
- Scroll down until you see the Music and Podcasts menu.
- Select the new account link.
- Select Spotify and follow the instructions.
- After that, return to the Music and Podcasts menu.
- Select Spotify as your default.
Once you're done, try one of the following commands:
- “Alexa, play jemele hil didn't fuss on Spotify.”
- “Alexa, play Joe Budden podcast on iTunes and Spotify."
- “Alexa, continue playing Amy Schumer is featured on Spotify."