YouTube Music
Google's music streaming app that pulls from YouTube's catalog of songs, videos, live sets and covers
by Google LLC · listed Oct 19, 2026
Quick verdict
Worth installing if YouTube is already where you find music, since the catalog of uploads, live versions and covers is its main edge. Expect ads and no background play unless you pay for Premium.
Best for People who already listen to music on YouTube, or who want live sets, remixes and covers that standard streaming libraries often lack.
Facts last verified Oct 19, 2026. How we review
YouTube Music review
YouTube Music is Google's music streaming app, built on YouTube's catalog of official albums, singles, music videos, live performances, remixes and covers. You can search, build playlists, follow artists, and get personalized mixes and radio based on what you play. It suits anyone who already listens to music on YouTube and wants a dedicated player, or who wants tracks that only exist as uploads there.
Why we picked it: The catalog goes beyond standard streaming libraries, and switching between a song and its video is straightforward.
Watch out for: The free tier has ads and lacks background play and downloads in most regions. Those require a YouTube Music Premium or YouTube Premium subscription, and features vary by country.
What we like
- Catalog includes live performances, remixes and covers that are hard to find elsewhere
- Easy switching between a song's audio and its music video
- Personalized mixes and radio based on what you play
- Lets you upload your own songs to keep them in one library
- Works across phone, desktop, smart speakers, TVs and cars
What could be better
- Free tier has ads and no background play or downloads in most regions
- Ad-free listening and background play need a paid subscription
- Premium availability and features differ by country
- Mixed uploads can make search results messier than a curated library
Questions about YouTube Music
Is YouTube Music free?
The app is free to download and use with ads. Background play, downloads and ad-free listening require YouTube Music Premium or YouTube Premium, in countries where they are offered.
Which platforms does it run on?
It is available on iPhone and Android. Google also lists support for desktop, smart speakers, smart TVs, cars and smart watches.
Can I listen offline?
Offline downloads are a paid feature. You need a Premium subscription, and availability depends on your country.
Can I use my own music?
Yes, you can upload songs from your devices and play them alongside the streaming catalog in the same app.
Does it work with maps and voice assistants?
It is compatible with Google Maps, Waze and Google Assistant, which helps for driving and hands-free use.
From the developer: how YouTube Music describes itself
Connecting you to the world of music: ● Music content including live performances, covers, remixes and music content you can’t find elsewhere ● Thousands of curated playlist across many genres and activities
Get personalized music, perfect for every moment: ● Personalized playlists and Mixes ● Activity mixes made for you ● Create playlists with song suggestions or collaborate with other music fans to create the perfect playlist ● Neatly organized Library to see all of your liked and added songs, playlists you created, and artists you subscribed to
Stay on top of the trend and discover new music: ● Check out new releases ● Discover music based genres (Hip Hop, Pop, Country, Dance & Electronic, Blues, Indie & Alternative, Jazz, Kpop, Latin, Rock, and more) ● Discover music based mood (Chill, Feel Good, Energy Booster, Sleep, Focus, Romance, Workout, Commute, Party) ● Explore top charts from all over the world
Enhanced your listening experience with unique features: ● Song lyrics so you can sing along to your favorites ● Upload songs from your devices so you can enjoy them in one place with YouTube Music ● Listen on your phone, desktop, smart speaker, smart TV, car, smart watch and within your favorite apps. ● Compatible with Google Maps, Waze, Google Assistant, and more.
Upgrade to Music Premium (available in select countries) to enjoy: ● Listen to music ad-free ● Play music in the background ● Switch seamlessly between song audio and music videos, only with YouTube Music
YouTube Music Premium members may still see, hear, or experience branding or promotions embedded by creators.
------------ If you subscribe via iTunes:
Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Accounts will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period at the rate of the selected plan. Subscriptions and auto-renewal may be managed by going to Account Settings after purchase.
YouTube paid service terms: https://www.youtube.com/t/terms_paidservice Privacy policy: https://www.google.com/policies/privacy
Text from the app store listing, quoted for reference. Our own take is above.
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