YouTube Music Archives - Gizmochina

YouTube Premium and Music Cross 100 Million Subscribers

Simranpal Singh — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 09:06:32 +0000

Being the most browsed video platform, YouTube has over a billion daily users. However, access to its paid services, aka YouTube Premium and YouTube Music, is slowly and gradually picking up. In an exciting revelation, YouTube Music and Premium proudly announce the achievement of surpassing 100 million subscribers, a significant milestone that includes trial users.

Launched in 2015 as a new subscription service along with YouTube Music, YouTube Premium finally surpassed 100 million subscribers. The ad-free experience and access to a vast YouTube music library have made the subscription model a success. It also offers additional features like an uninterrupted experience, background play, downloads, and an extensive music catalog. Further, the recent rebranding, expanded offerings, and access in over 100 countries have made it the user’s choice in the past some time. Speaking on the occasion, Adam Smith, Vice President of Product Management at YouTube, said:

"Beyond features, we know what truly makes viewers and listeners keep choosing YouTube - it’s the incredible content from our creators and artists. YouTube Premium helps maintain a thriving creator and artist community, providing them with an additional source of revenue from subscriptions."

With the advent of AI, YouTube has added several AI-based features and also offers enhanced bitrate 1080P HD quality videos. It enables seamless cross-device watching. YouTube Music recently received the Samples tab for new music discovery in reel format. YouTube Music also brings the integration of podcasts and a customized radio-building experience. It recently added the ability to find music by singing them.

Apart from the user perspective, the YouTube Premium subscription contributes to the prosperity of the creator and artist communities by providing them with an additional source of revenue through subscriptions.

YouTube remains committed to delivering a best-in-class experience, with a focus on continuous support for the thriving creator and artist community. We hope YouTube introduces some more useful features that benefit the creator community and its users too.

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Google Podcasts to shut down in April 2024, migration tool launched

Rajesh — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 04:57:49 +0000

Back in September, Google announced it would be shutting down its dedicated podcast app, Google Podcasts. Now, they’ve confirmed the official date: April 2024. This move follows the inclusion of podcasts into YouTube back in 2022, streamlining Google’s audio offerings under one roof.

Google Podcasts shutdown in April 2024 | Image: Gizmochina

Google launches migration tool ahead of Podcasts shutdown

To assist users with the transition, Google has launched a new migration tool. This tool allows users to easily transfer their existing podcast subscriptions from Google Podcasts to YouTube Music. Currently, the migration tool is only available for users in the United States but is expected to be rolled out globally soon.

Google says the new migration tool will appear within the Google Podcasts app in the coming weeks which can be accessed through a banner at the top of the screen. Additionally, step-by-step instructions on the migration process will be available on Google’s support website.

While the Google Podcasts app itself will cease to function in April, US users can still listen to their podcasts within the app until March 2024. Additionally, both migration and subscription export will be available until July 2024, allowing ample time for everyone to make the transition.

However, if you’re wary of Google’s history of shuttering podcast apps (a nod to the discontinued Google Listen and Google Play Music Podcasts), you have another option. You can export your subscriptions as an OPML file at podcasts.google.com/settings until August 2024. This allows you to import them into a different podcast app of your choice.

These are all the important dates to remember for Google Podcasts shutdown:

March 2024: Last month to listen to podcasts within the Google Podcasts app.
April 2024: Google Podcasts app officially shuts down.
July 2024: Deadline to migrate or export subscriptions.
August 2024: Deadline to export subscriptions as an OPML file.

While change can be tricky, Google assures you that the new experience will be “a great podcast experience for all.” Meanwhile, you also have the option to switch to another podcast platform if you prefer.

YouTube Music Users can Now Add Podcasts via RSS Feeds

Anubhav — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 14:59:54 +0000

YouTube Music (YTM) is rolling out a feature that could change the podcasting landscape. With the planned discontinuation of Google Podcasts in 2024, YTM is stepping up, offering a seamless transition for both podcast creators and their audience.

Until now, podcasters had to upload videos of their episodes on YTM

The heart of this shift lies in YTM’s new capability allowing users to add podcasts via RSS feeds, a feature that’s currently making its way to Android and web platforms. This move is significant because, until now, podcasters had to upload video versions of their episodes on YTM, a requirement that demanded additional effort and possibly deterred many creators.

The implementation is user-friendly: a visit to the Library tab and a tap on the Podcasts filter unveils an “Add podcast” option. Users can either browse popular podcasts on YouTube or add shows using an RSS feed. Once added, these podcasts will appear alongside others in the user’s library, marked by an RSS icon for easy identification. This approach not only streamlines the process but also opens doors for a broader range of podcast content on YTM.

While this feature is still in its nascent stages, not yet widely available, it’s expected to gain more traction soon. The added benefit for podcasters is the shift from the necessity of video uploads to the simplicity of RSS, which is likely to enhance content discovery on the platform.

Additionally, YTM is working on a “simple migration tool” to facilitate the transfer of existing Google Podcasts subscriptions to YTM. This is a thoughtful gesture to ensure a smooth transition for dedicated podcast listeners. YTM’s expansion into podcasting doesn’t stop here. It’s testing various user-friendly features, including custom playlist art creation using generative AI, Apple HomePod support, and a redesigned overflow menu, making it a robust platform for music and podcast enthusiasts. Stay tuned for more updates!

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YouTube Music now has a new ‘Cry’ Mood Filter for when Things get Heavy

Anubhav — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 10:54:39 +0000

YouTube Music has brought another update to the music streaming space yet again, this time offering a unique twist: it’s turning on the waterworks with a new mood filter named “Cry.” This innovative feature is part of a rollout that includes four other mood filters—Party, Romance, Feel good, and Sleep—to join the existing Workout, Focus, Relax, Commute, and Energize categories on the platform.

It is important to note that genres and moods are two different categories

Initially discussed in the YouTube Music subreddit, the feature has many users questioning the difference between the new “Sleep” category and the existing “Relax” filter. YouTube’s curatorial prowess will undoubtedly be put to the test here. Tapping any of the mood filters will display a tailored carousel of music choices featuring titles like “Mixed for you,” “Listen again,” and “From your library.”

However, the real talking point is the “Cry” mood filter. It’s not just about tears of joy; it’s a refined playlist of music guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings. YouTube Music’s algorithm is powering this apparently. What may induce tears for some might leave others bored or even irritated. But what does this say about YouTube Music’s mission? It seems the platform is keen on taking listener engagement beyond just background music or workout tunes. By incorporating moods into its music algorithm, YouTube Music appears to be tapping into the emotional side of its user base. It feels weird saying that, but it is exactly what is happening.

Whether you’re in the mood to shed a few tears or throw an impromptu living room dance party, this feature can be helpful. However, it’s worth noting that the new filters are still in the testing phase on some mobile devices, and it’s unclear when the feature will be widely available.

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YouTube Music’s Latest Update will Let Users Play Music without Interruptions

Anubhav — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 01:32:23 +0000

YouTube Music‘s new update is more than just a minor enhancement; it’s a reflection of a user-centered design. With the introduction of the “Play All” button in various carousels on the Home feed, users are now afforded a more streamlined and convenient way to listen to their favorite tunes.

The update also refreshes the bottom bar for non-premium users to provide a new look

Previously, the platform offered two main carousel types, primarily focusing on albums, playlists, and individual songs. Navigating through the 20 or so songs required a swipe every four songs, and playing a sequence of preferred tunes involved manually adding each song to the queue. Now, with the “Play All” feature, the process is simplified, allowing a user to create a whole queue with a single tap.

This subtle update resonates with the broader movement in tech to create user-friendly interfaces. The exclusion of the Long listening carousel (30+ minute tracks) from this feature is an indication towards YouTube‘s awareness of its user’s needs.

However, the update does bring a slight visual challenge for non-Premium users, with the bottom bar accommodating five items, a design decision that could stir opinions. The “Play All” feature represents a shift from merely providing content to ensuring that the user’s experience is seamless and intuitive. It’s more than a simple software update; it’s an alignment of technology with human needs, a step that encapsulates the modern approach to listening experience.

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YouTube Music is now Recommending Albums to its Users

Anubhav — Thu, 18 May 2023 03:27:39 +0000

YouTube Music faces stiff competition in the music streaming industry, primarily from Spotify and Apple Music. Spotify, known for its extensive music library and personalized recommendations, has gained a massive user base globally. Apple Music, on the other hand, benefits from its integration with Apple’s ecosystem, making it a preferred choice for Apple device users. Additionally, Apple Music also boasts lossless music, other than exclusive releases, and its own radio station. To stand out and attract users, YouTube Music needs to leverage its unique selling points, such as its extensive music video collection and integration with the YouTube platform. It seems like the app is now offering album recommendations to its users, in an attempt to keep up with the competition.

YouTube Music is trying to compete with Apple Music & Spotify

Users will now find a horizontally scrolling carousel of recommended albums under the “Recommended albums” header on the YouTube Music home page. This update has been quietly rolled out to most subscribers, providing users with album suggestions nestled between new song recommendations and personalized playlists. While initial feedback suggests that some users received album suggestions they were already familiar with, the effectiveness of these recommendations may vary.

YouTube Music’s efforts to catch up with competitors are evident in the recent updates it has received. The addition of swipe gestures on the mini-player, a sleep timer feature, and podcast support demonstrates the platform’s commitment to enhancing the user experience. These improvements align YouTube Music closer to the offerings of Spotify and Apple Music, making it a more robust and versatile streaming service.

YouTube Music appears to have more exciting developments on the horizon. An intriguing feature hidden in the settings is the ability to enable public stats, allowing others to view the specific content users have been listening to. This feature suggests that YouTube Music may be working on a personalized year-end roundup, similar to Spotify Wrapped, providing users with insights into their listening habits and music preferences.

By offering personalized album suggestions and exploring possibilities such as public stats, YouTube Music clearly aims to create a more engaging and tailored music streaming environment. As the platform continues to evolve and refine its features, music enthusiasts can look forward to an even more enriching and immersive environment on YouTube Music. The platform also recently introduced Podcasts, which aims to diversify the user experience even further.

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YouTube Music gets Podcast Support in the US

Anubhav — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 03:22:46 +0000

More people are listening to podcasts these days due to their convenience, accessibility, and the vast array of content available. Podcasts can be downloaded and listened to at any time, making them perfect for busy schedules. They can also be listened to on a wide range of devices, from smartphones to smart speakers, making them accessible to virtually anyone. Additionally, podcasts cover a wide range of topics and interests, and listeners can easily find content that aligns with their personal preferences. The rise of popular podcast platforms and the proliferation of high-quality podcasts has further fueled their popularity. To provide a wide range of options for its users, YouTube has added Podcasts to the YouTube Music app.

YouTube Music won’t have Original Podcasts as Spotify does

YouTube Music has officially entered the podcast game, allowing users in the US to stream audio and video podcasts on its Android and iOS app without a premium subscription. The feature will also let you cast shows to other devices and play them in the background, making for easy listening. However, paying members will still have to tolerate host-read ads. The addition of podcasts may seem redundant given Google’s Podcasts app, but it does unify listening for YouTube Music subscribers and could make it a more attractive alternative to Spotify. While YouTube won’t be producing original podcasts like Spotify, the feature has been added to entice more users and compete with other streaming platforms. It’s a great move for YouTube to offer more options to its users and become a one-stop-shop for all audio needs.

Spotify and YouTube Music are two of the biggest music streaming platforms in the world, and they’re constantly competing with each other to attract and retain users. While Spotify is primarily focused on music, it has also been expanding its offerings to include podcasts and other audio content – even audiobooks. YouTube Music, on the other hand, has been ramping up its podcast efforts, as seen above. Both platforms offer unique features, but the competition between them is fierce. Ultimately, the competition benefits the consumers as both platforms continue to improve and innovate.

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