Amazon has officially pulled the plug on the Wondery podcast app and its accompanying Wondery+ premium subscription service. The shutdown, which had been announced earlier this spring, marks the end of the standalone app that once served as a hub for some of the most popular podcasts in the industry, including Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard and the NFL-themed New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce. However, the content itself is not disappearing. Wondery will continue to operate as a podcast studio, producing shows that will remain accessible through other platforms such as Audible, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

The End of an Era for Wondery

Wondery was founded in 2016 by CEO Hernán Lopez, a former Fox executive, and quickly rose to prominence as a leading independent podcast network. It became known for its high-quality narrative storytelling, particularly in the true crime genre, with hits like Dirty John, Dr. Death, and The Shrink Next Door. The network’s success caught the attention of Amazon, which acquired Wondery in December 2020 for a reported $300 million. At the time, Amazon positioned the acquisition as a way to bolster its growing audio offerings, complementing its existing Audible service and Amazon Music.

For years, the Wondery app served as a dedicated platform where listeners could stream episodes, access ad-free content via Wondery+, and enjoy early access to new releases. Amazon’s decision to sunset the app represents a shift in strategy for the tech giant, which now appears to be consolidating its podcast assets under the Audible brand. The move had been widely anticipated since Amazon announced the impending closure in March 2024, giving users a heads-up to transition their listening habits.

What Happens to Wondery+ Subscribers?

Existing Wondery+ subscribers will no longer have access to the premium tier through the app. Amazon is encouraging these users to migrate to an Audible subscription, which offers ad-free listening for Wondery podcasts. Audible recently introduced a Standard plan priced at $9 per month, which includes access to Wondery’s ad-free catalog along with other Audible content. The Premium Plus plan, at $14.95 per month, offers even more benefits. But for those who do not wish to pay for yet another subscription, Wondery shows are still freely available on other platforms, albeit with advertisements.

It is important to note that Wondery podcasts are also available through Amazon Music, which comes as part of an Amazon Prime membership. Prime members can stream many episodes without additional cost, though ad-free listening typically requires an additional subscription to Amazon Music Unlimited or Audible. The fragmentation of these options has left some listeners confused about the best way to continue enjoying their favorite shows.

Industry Context: Amazon’s Podcasting Ambitions

Amazon’s decision to shut down the Wondery app is part of a broader trend of consolidation in the podcasting industry. Over the past few years, major tech companies have engaged in a land grab for podcast content, led by Spotify’s aggressive acquisition spree that included Gimlet Media, Anchor, and The Ringer. Amazon responded by acquiring Wondery, but the company has since struggled to find a cohesive strategy for its podcast assets. The closure of the Wondery app follows significant layoffs at the studio last year, when Bloomberg reported that Amazon cut 110 jobs within Wondery and moved its narrative podcast division to Audible, where those shows were rebranded as Audible Originals.

This restructuring reflects a broader reassessment of podcasting’s profitability. While podcast advertising revenue continues to grow, the market has become increasingly competitive. Standalone podcast apps like Wondery’s often struggle to attract and retain users when major platforms like Spotify, Apple, and YouTube offer more integrated experiences. By folding Wondery’s content into Audible, Amazon can leverage Audible’s existing subscriber base and infrastructure, potentially reducing costs while still offering the content as a value-add.

Impact on Podcast Creators and Listeners

For podcast creators, the changes bring both opportunities and risks. On the one hand, being part of a larger ecosystem like Audible can provide greater exposure and resources. Shows like Armchair Expert and New Heights have massive audiences that are unlikely to be deterred by the app’s closure—they will simply find the content elsewhere. On the other hand, smaller shows that relied on the Wondery app for discovery may lose a significant portion of their audience. The app’s closure could accelerate the centralization of podcast listenership onto a handful of dominant platforms, making it harder for independent programs to break through.

Listeners, meanwhile, have had mixed reactions. In an informal poll conducted by Android Authority, 88% of respondents said they never used the Wondery app, 12% said they had used it occasionally but not regularly, and 0% said they used it until the end. These numbers suggest that the app never achieved widespread adoption, even among fans of Wondery’s content. For the minority who did use it, the shutdown may be an inconvenience, but alternatives abound.

Alternatives for Listening to Wondery Shows

Listeners looking to continue enjoying Wondery productions have several options:

• Audible: The Standard and Premium plans both include ad-free access. Audible also offers exclusive original content and a vast library of audiobooks, making it a compelling choice for heavy audio consumers.
• Apple Podcasts: Wondery shows are available on Apple’s platform, which remains one of the most popular podcast directories. Episodes can be streamed or downloaded for free, though ads will be present.
• Spotify: Many Wondery titles are available on Spotify, including ad-supported versions. Spotify’s recommendations and playlist features may help users discover new episodes.
• Amazon Music: Prime members can access Wondery podcasts through the Amazon Music app. For ad-free listening, an Amazon Music Unlimited subscription is required.
• YouTube: Wondery has expanded its presence on YouTube, where some shows release full episodes or video versions. This platform is particularly useful for visual content or for users who prefer a video format.

Additionally, many Wondery shows have their own dedicated websites or RSS feeds, allowing listeners to subscribe using any podcast app that supports open standards.

Wondery’s Future as a Studio

Despite the app’s demise, Wondery continues to operate as a production studio under Amazon’s umbrella. The company describes itself as “a podcast studio known for popular creator-led shows.” This suggests that Wondery’s editorial team and production capabilities remain intact, even if the distribution channel has changed. The studio will likely focus on developing new shows that can be distributed across multiple platforms, with Audible serving as the primary home for premium content.

However, the road ahead is not without challenges. The layoffs and restructuring that occurred last year have raised questions about the studio’s long-term stability. Amazon’s willingness to shut down the app indicates that the company is still experimenting with how best to integrate podcasting into its broader media strategy. Competitors like Spotify and Apple have also made adjustments, with Spotify cutting costs and focusing on profitability after years of heavy investment. In this environment, Wondery may need to adapt quickly to remain relevant.

Another factor is the rise of independent podcasting platforms like Pocket Casts and Overcast, as well as the continued growth of YouTube as a podcast discovery tool. Some creators are choosing to bypass traditional networks altogether, betting that direct fan support through Patreon or similar services can sustain their work. Whether Wondery can continue to attract top talent without a dedicated app remains to be seen.

The history of podcasting has been marked by constant evolution. The medium began as a grassroots phenomenon, with hobbyists uploading MP3 files to personal websites. Over the past decade, it has been transformed by major corporate investments, resulting in high-quality productions, ad networks, and exclusive content deals. Amazon’s moves are just the latest chapter in that story. For now, listeners can rest assured that the shows they love are not going away—they are simply moving to new homes. The Wondery app may be gone, but the voices behind the microphones are still broadcasting, waiting for audiences to press play.

Amazon quietly confirmed the app’s retirement in an update to a previous blog post today. Wondery will still operate as a podcast studio, Amazon says, continuing to publish shows like Armchair Expert and New Heights. The company also reiterated that the Wondery+ subscription has ended, and former subscribers are being directed to Audible. For those who never used the app—a majority, according to the poll—the change is largely academic. The podcasts remain accessible, the hosts remain active, and the stories keep coming.

Source: Android Authority News