Google replaces Play Music with YouTube Music on new devices

The public can now use the ad-supported version of YouTube Music for free but if they want to listen to music ad-free while they are using other apps, or while their screen is off, they’ll have to upgrade to YouTube Music Premium, which costs $9.99 per month.

“Music listeners on Android devices are now just a few taps away from streaming their go-to tracks and discovering new music," YouTube music product manager Brandon Bilinski said. "From the gym to the car, to work – it’s all here, right in your back pocket.

“Discover official songs, albums and playlists, music videos, remixes, live performances, hard-to-find music and more. Whatever your mood, we have got you covered. Once you have started your new device, look for the YouTube Music icon and start listening! And if you don’t have Android 10 yet, don’t stress – simply visit the Play Store to get the app.”

Android 10 was released to the public on 3 September but is yet to be made available on all devices. Google said each original equipment manufacturer had to develop their version of the update for each phone. 

“Android 10 brings new features like suggested actions in Smart Reply, improved Digital Wellbeing tools, Dark theme and much more. Google Play Music listeners with new Android 10 devices can continue to enjoy Google Play Music by downloading it from the Play Store and logging in to their accounts,” Bilinski said.

The announcement comes a week after YouTube launched Discover Mix, a curated playlist that offers 49 new songs each Wednesday. The playlist is under the section called Mixed for You, which appears in users’ main YouTube Music page. Discover Mix rivals Spotify’s Discover Weekly playlist that curates 30 new songs on Mondays.

According to the recently released Music Listening Report by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), video accounts for 47% of on-demand streaming consumption globally compared to 37% for paid audio streaming, and 15% for free audio streaming. IFPI said 77% of the 34 000 people in 21 countries who were interviewed were using YouTube for music.