Taking on Spotify, YouTube Music to offer new personalized playlists
What's the story
Google is gradually working to make YouTube Music the go-to music service for Android users. The tech giant is upgrading the YouTube Music app by introducing new personalized playlists as it aims to take on popular rivals like Spotify and Pandora. In a recent development, Google has replaced the default Play Music app with YouTube Music on all devices shipping with Android 10.
New stuff
YouTube Music to get Discover, New Release, Your Mix playlists
Interestingly, YouTube Chief Product Officer Neal Mohan, speaking at TechCrunch Disrupt SF 2019, has confirmed that the YouTube Music app will get three new playlists called Discover Mix, New Release Mix, and Your Mix. The new playlists will be released to users sometime later this month itself and they will show up in the Mixed for You section on the app's homescreen.
Recommendations
Here's what these new playlists will offer
According to Mohan, the Discover Mix will use historical listening data to help you find new artists and music, including lesser-known tracks from artists you already follow. The New Release Mix, as the name suggests, will feature the newest songs from your favorite artists. Finally, Your Mix will offer the music you love along with songs you haven't heard but you might like listening.
At a glance
To recall, here's what YouTube Music service offers
To note, YouTube Music service is a free music streaming service but is supported by advertisements. The company also offers a YouTube Music Premium service which offers ad-free music, background playback, and the option to download content for offline access. In India, YouTube Music Premium costs Rs. 99/month for individual subscription and Rs. 59/month for an individual student plan.
Better service
YouTube Music Premium comes bundled for free with YouTube Premium
Google also has a YouTube Premium service for its video streaming platform. The premium service offers background video playback, access to YouTube Originals, offline downloads, and free access to YouTube Music Premium. In India, YouTube Premium costs Rs. 129/month for individuals and Rs. 189/month for a family plan. There is also a student plan which is priced at Rs. 79/month.