In its latest effort to sort out its streaming subscription offerings, Google-owned YouTube looks set to launch a revamped version of YouTube Music on Tuesday, May 22.
Described byRecodeas “functionally the same” as the existing version, YouTube Music will, however, prioritize audio over video, and focus on improved personalized playlists based on a user’s YouTube history.
YouTube Music will be “largely devoid of video,” according toCNET, which has seen the redesigned YouTube Music app in action. It said the app’s home screen lets you scroll through lots of recommended music and playlists, including “individualized selections of new releases, a My Mixtape personalized playlist, collections similar to an artist you’ve been listening to a lot lately, a selection called Throwback Jams, before you get to recommended music videos and professional clips of live performances.”
Also on Tuesday, May 22, YouTube Red, which offers original and ad-free video programming for a fee, will become YouTube Premium. The new video and music service will only be accessible to new users by adding an extra $2 to the monthly YouTube Music subscription, taking the cost to $12.
YouTube Premium will include YouTube Music with background listening and downloads and more original series and movies. Current YouTube Originals include YouTube Originals the Karate Kid-inspired seriesCobra Kaiand dance dramaStep Up: High Water. Upcoming series include sci-fi thrillerImpulse,andLiza Koshy’sLiza on Demand.
YouTube plans to continue expansion during 2018. Countries where YouTube Premium will rollout soon include Austria, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Now Google is hoping the latest changes to its various subscription services will finally start to gain traction among music fans and help it to be a real player in the paid-for music-streaming space.
The revamped YouTube Music service will see a gradual rollout in the U.S. starting on Tuesday, with select overseas markets also targeted.
Updated on May 17: Added additional information about YouTube Premium pricing, content, and future availability.
