Google is set to launch a YouTube music streaming service before the end of 2013, at least if current persistent rumors are to be believed. This service will work the same way as Spotify, with a hefty catalog of music available for users to play.
Music On YouTube
Music has been a key part of YouTube since the site’s inception in 2006. In those early, heady days it was a result of people illicitly uploading music videos without a care for the copyright laws being flouted, but it’s now (mostly) all above board thanks to a stringent copyright ID system.
Music videos are often the most-viewed pieces of content on the platform, with Gangnam Style being an obvious example. This eventually led to the number of YouTube views a video generates counting towards its placing on the Billboard charts.
It’s no wonder then that Google is keen to turn this popular element of YouTube into a money-making machine.
YouTube Streaming Service
The YouTube music streaming service is likely to resemble Spotify, but with videos added as well as audio. There will be an app for both desktop and mobile, with free (supported by ads) and paid-for options available. Pricing for the paid option will presumably follow the standard of $10 per month set by others.
The music video element would help differentiate this from the competition, and for those who feel MTV has abandoned its raison d’etre, this could be a great option for music lovers.
For its part, YouTube has so far denied any such scheme is in the offing, simply saying, “We’re always working on new and better ways for people to enjoy YouTube content across all screens, and on giving partners more opportunities to reach their fans. However, we have nothing to announce at this time.”
Conclusions
Google already has its All Access music streaming service up and running, which means the company has its foot in the door of all the major record labels it needs to get on board for this to happen. Which it’s looking increasingly likely it will.
[Via Billboard]
