YouTube is a popular platform for videos, but it’s also a leading music destination. Google has introduced a dedicated music app called YouTube Music to consolidate all music content. This app offers music, podcasts, and both free and premium versions.
Comparing YouTube Music with other streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, or Apple Music depends on how much you use YouTube for music searches and your preference for music videos. In this article, we’ll provide you with the details to help you make an informed choice.
The Basics
YouTube Music features a simple, fast, and minimalistic interface with direct controls to help you access your favorite songs and music videos quickly. It includes sections like Home, Sample, Explore, and Library. The Home page displays recommended songs, music videos, mixes, and charts. The Sample section offers short video snippets based on your listening habits, while Explore helps you discover new albums, and Library shows your listening history, favorite artists, and playlists.
Google uses your account information and history to personalize your experience on YouTube Music. If you’ve been using YouTube for music, you’ll receive prompts to add favorite musicians and create a profile for personalized recommendations. The app can continue playing your past favorites automatically if left uninterrupted.
In 2023, Google introduced a link to Podcasts in the Home section, but the platform is not focused on competing with Spotify and Apple Podcasts in terms of library size. Instead, it prioritizes podcasts aligned with the listener’s musical interests.
YouTube Music offers around 100 million tracks, putting it in line with similar services like Amazon Music Unlimited, Apple Music, Spotify, Qobuz, and Tidal.
Free vs. Premium Subscriptions
A free Google account provides access to the YouTube music and podcast library, but with limitations like ads, no background playback, and limited song selection control. Subscribing to YouTube Music Premium removes ads, enables background playback, offline content download, and unlimited song skips.
YouTube Premium subscribers have automatic access to YouTube Music Premium.
Audio Quality
YouTube Music offers various audio tiers based on bandwidth preferences, ranging from Low to Always High, with corresponding bit rates for data usage and sound quality. The service does not support hi-res audio files but is suitable for reliable streaming.
Costs and Tiers
After the free plan, YouTube Music Premium offers individual, family, and student plans with corresponding monthly costs and features to suit different needs.
Platform Compatibility
YouTube Music can be accessed via a web browser or standalone app on various devices, including desktop, laptops, mobile devices, and smartwatches, with casting options using Chromecast.
Features and Music Discovery
YouTube Music integrates music videos into the player, offers personalized playlists, and provides automated mixes and recommendations based on your listening preferences. It’s a great choice for music video enthusiasts and those looking for a visual component while listening to music.
The service includes options to create playlists, explore artists, and discover new music through radio stations and genres. While lacking human-curated playlists, YouTube Music relies on algorithms for personalized music discovery.
With features like “Your Music Tuner,” users can create customized radio stations based on their preferred artists and genres.
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