The short answer
Usually, after a check. Might hold something you care about. Look inside before removing it.
What is it?
The Podcasts app’s group container: downloaded episodes plus the app’s library database. Downloads accumulate when automatic downloads are on, often reaching several GB.
Downloaded episodes. Played ones can be removed from Podcasts and streamed again.
What happens if you delete it?
Removed episodes can be streamed or downloaded again as long as the show still publishes them. Subscriptions and play history sync through iCloud.
How to remove it properly
In Podcasts, open Downloaded, right-click episodes or a show and choose Remove Download. Use Remove Played Downloads in Podcasts › Settings, or in a show’s settings, so played episodes are deleted automatically.
From the app itself: Podcasts > Settings: remove played downloads.
Before you delete it
Do not delete the whole container in Finder: it also holds the Podcasts library database. Episodes a publisher has removed from its feed cannot be downloaded again.
How MoreRoom helps
MoreRoom recognises this item and labels it “Review first”: it shows what’s inside, its size and last use, so you can decide. Nothing is removed without your say, and everything goes to the Trash first, with Undo.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to delete Apple Podcasts downloads on Mac?
Usually, after a check. Might hold something you care about. Look inside before removing it. Removed episodes can be streamed or downloaded again as long as the show still publishes them. Subscriptions and play history sync through iCloud.
Will Podcasts downloads come back after I delete it?
Yes. Removed episodes can be streamed or downloaded again as long as the show still publishes them. Subscriptions and play history sync through iCloud.
How do I remove Podcasts downloads properly?
In Podcasts, open Downloaded, right-click episodes or a show and choose Remove Download. Use Remove Played Downloads in Podcasts › Settings, or in a show’s settings, so played episodes are deleted automatically.