YouTube Music is a music and podcast streaming app that allows users to:
- Watch music videos
- Stream songs on demand
- Discover new artists
- Follow favorite musicians
- Listen to podcasts
- Access content across multiple devices
Availability and features may vary depending on your country or region.
YouTube Music (Free with Ads)
You can use YouTube Music without a paid subscription through its ad-supported version.
Free Features Include:
- On-demand playback of:
- Songs
- Music videos
- Podcasts
- Audio-only playback for most podcasts
- Background play for most podcasts
- Podcast downloads
- Queue management
- Repeat
- Unlimited skipping
- Samples tab
- Music Tuner
- Fan engagement tools such as top listener badges
Limitations:
- Ads during music playback
- No background play for music
- No music downloads
- No ad-free music experience
YouTube Music Premium
A paid membership that includes all free features plus premium upgrades.
Premium Benefits:
- Ad-free music
- Background music playback
- Audio-only music mode
- Offline music downloads
Important Note:
- Podcasts may still include creator-inserted promotions or branding
- Ads may still appear during:
- Live events
- Primetime channels
- Sports broadcasts
Additional Notes
Supervised Accounts:
Some features may be restricted for supervised users.
Creator Promotions:
Even Premium members may still see:
- Sponsored mentions
- Promotional links
- Creator-added branding
Key Difference
| Feature | Free Version | Premium Version |
| Music Ads | Yes | No |
| Background Music Play | No | Yes |
| Music Downloads | No | Yes |
| Audio-only Music | No | Yes |
| Podcasts | Yes | Yes |
Bottom Line
YouTube Music offers:
- Free ad-supported streaming
- Premium subscription options
- Music videos
- Podcasts
- Personalized discovery tools
It combines traditional music streaming with YouTube’s broader video ecosystem for a more interactive music experience.
