Video sharing website YouTube is launching its own music app dubbed YouTube Music. YouTube's own music app will face industry heavyweights like Spotify and Apple Music.
Just like Spotify, and unlike Apple Music, YouTube Music will be rolled out as a free service. Users can freely download and use its ad-supported mode. On the other hand, users who want premium ad-free service can opt in and subscribe to YouTube Red.
For some analysts, the breakout of YouTube Music seems a little confusing especially since Google also has Google Play Music that offers the same service. However, the two separate apps offer different perks when users subscribe to YouTube Red.
According to The Verge, the latest move from YouTube is reminiscent of that when Facebook Messenger was introduced as an independent app from Facebook. With the launch of YouTube Music, the company now has three dedicated apps that covers different interests. The other two are YouTube Gaming and YouTube Kids.
The YouTube Music app functions like a standard music service. It has a search option so that users can easily find their favorite song or artists. The app also allow users to play individual songs or albums. Currently, YouTube Music has more than 30 million licensed audio tracks.
Aside from regular audio track, YouTube Music is also in a vantage point since it offers additional services such as live concert footages, instructional videos and karaoke tracks, all of which are not available in other music apps.
According to Tech Hive, after download and installing YouTube Music, users will get a 14-day free trial of YouTube Red. After the trial expires, the app will transition into its ad-supported mode. The app is available on both Android and iOS platform.