When it comes to online music streaming, YouTube has become a household name. With millions of users worldwide, the platform has expanded its services to cater to different needs and preferences. Two of its popular offerings are YouTube Premium and YouTube Music. While both services share some similarities, they are not identical twins. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of YouTube Premium and YouTube Music to understand their differences and similarities.
The Rise of YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium, formerly known as YouTube Red, was launched in 2015 as a premium version of the video-sharing platform. The primary focus was to provide an ad-free experience, along with exclusive content from popular YouTubers. Over time, YouTube Premium has evolved to offer additional features, such as:
- Background play: Listen to videos in the background while using other apps or locking your screen.
- Offline play: Download videos for offline viewing, perfect for commutes or areas with poor internet connectivity.
YouTube Premium also includes access to exclusive original content, including TV shows, movies, and documentaries produced exclusively for the platform.
YouTube Music: A New Melody
In 2018, YouTube launched YouTube Music, a music-focused streaming service designed to compete with the likes of Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal. The primary focus of YouTube Music is to provide an immersive music experience, with features such as:
- Personalized playlists: Discover new music based on your listening history and preferences.
- Huge music library: Access millions of songs, including official songs, covers, and remixes.
YouTube Music also includes features like radio stations, mood-based playlists, and a “Discover Mix” that updates regularly based on your listening habits.
Key Differences: YouTube Premium vs. YouTube Music
Now that we’ve explored the basics of both services, let’s dive into the key differences:
Content Focus
YouTube Premium: The primary focus of YouTube Premium is on video content, including exclusive originals, ad-free videos, and background play.
YouTube Music: YouTube Music, on the other hand, is centered around music streaming, with features like personalized playlists, radio stations, and a vast music library.
Pricing
YouTube Premium: YouTube Premium costs $11.99 per month (individual plan) or $17.99 per month (family plan, which supports up to six accounts).
YouTube Music: YouTube Music offers two plans: the free, ad-supported version and the premium, ad-free version, which costs $9.99 per month (individual plan) or $14.99 per month (family plan).
Availability
YouTube Premium: YouTube Premium is available in over 100 countries worldwide.
YouTube Music: YouTube Music is available in over 60 countries, with more regions being added regularly.
Simultaneous Usage: Can You Use Both?
One common question is whether you can use both YouTube Premium and YouTube Music simultaneously. The answer is yes! You can have separate subscriptions to both services, using them for different purposes.
For example, you might use YouTube Premium for its ad-free video experience and exclusive original content, while relying on YouTube Music for its personalized playlists and music library. However, it’s essential to note that you’ll need to maintain separate subscriptions for each service.
Overlap and Confusion
Despite their differences, YouTube Premium and YouTube Music do share some overlap. For instance, both services offer ad-free experiences, and YouTube Music includes some video content, such as official songs and covers. This overlap can lead to confusion, especially for users who are unsure which service to choose.
To clarify, if you’re primarily interested in video content, including ad-free videos and exclusive originals, YouTube Premium might be the better choice. However, if your primary focus is on music streaming, with features like personalized playlists and a vast music library, YouTube Music is the way to go.
YouTube Music Premium: A Hybrid Option
In 2020, YouTube introduced YouTube Music Premium, a hybrid service that combines the benefits of YouTube Music and YouTube Premium. This service offers both music streaming and ad-free video experiences, along with background play, offline play, and access to exclusive original content.
YouTube Music Premium is available as a standalone service, priced at $11.99 per month (individual plan) or $17.99 per month (family plan). If you’re torn between YouTube Premium and YouTube Music, YouTube Music Premium might be the ideal option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, YouTube Premium and YouTube Music are two distinct services that cater to different needs and preferences. While they share some similarities, their primary focuses are on video content and music streaming, respectively. By understanding their differences and similarities, you can make an informed decision about which service (or services) to use.
Remember, if you’re unsure which service is right for you, consider your primary needs:
- If you prioritize video content, including ad-free videos and exclusive originals, YouTube Premium might be the better choice.
- If you’re primarily interested in music streaming, with features like personalized playlists and a vast music library, YouTube Music is the way to go.
- If you want the best of both worlds, consider YouTube Music Premium, which combines the benefits of both services.
Whichever service you choose, rest assured that YouTube has you covered with its extensive range of features and functionalities.
What is YouTube Premium?
YouTube Premium is a paid subscription service offered by YouTube that provides ad-free videos, exclusive original content, and offline playback. It’s a premium experience that enhances your YouTube viewing experience. With YouTube Premium, you can enjoy ad-free videos, which means you won’t see any ads before, during, or after the videos. You’ll also get access to exclusive original content that’s not available on the regular YouTube platform.
Additionally, YouTube Premium allows you to download videos for offline playback, which means you can watch your favorite videos even when you don’t have an internet connection. This feature is especially useful for commuters or people who travel frequently. YouTube Premium also provides background play, which allows you to listen to music or videos while using other apps or when your screen is turned off.
What is YouTube Music?
YouTube Music is a music streaming service that focuses on providing an immersive audio experience. It’s a dedicated music app that allows you to listen to millions of songs, including official songs, covers, remixes, and live performances. YouTube Music is designed specifically for music lovers, offering a vast library of songs, playlists, and radio stations. With YouTube Music, you can discover new artists, explore different genres, and enjoy your favorite tunes.
One of the unique features of YouTube Music is its audio-focused approach. Unlike regular YouTube, which is primarily a video platform, YouTube Music is optimized for audio playback. This means you can listen to music without having to watch videos, making it an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy music on-the-go. YouTube Music also offers personalized recommendations based on your listening habits, so you can discover new music and artists that fit your taste.
Is YouTube Premium the same as YouTube Music?
No, YouTube Premium and YouTube Music are not the same. While both services are offered by YouTube, they cater to different needs and provide distinct experiences. YouTube Premium is a premium subscription service that enhances your YouTube viewing experience by providing ad-free videos, exclusive original content, and offline playback. On the other hand, YouTube Music is a dedicated music streaming service that offers an immersive audio experience.
YouTube Music is a standalone app that’s designed specifically for music lovers, whereas YouTube Premium is an upgrade to the regular YouTube experience. While there is some overlap between the two services, they have different features and focus areas. YouTube Premium focuses on video content, while YouTube Music focuses on audio content.
Can I get YouTube Music with YouTube Premium?
Yes, if you have a YouTube Premium subscription, you automatically get access to YouTube Music Premium. This means you can enjoy ad-free music, background play, and offline playback on the YouTube Music app. However, having a YouTube Music Premium subscription does not necessarily mean you have a YouTube Premium subscription.
If you have a YouTube Music Premium subscription, you’ll only get access to the premium features on the YouTube Music app, not on the regular YouTube app. To get the full YouTube Premium experience, including ad-free videos, exclusive original content, and offline playback, you need to have a YouTube Premium subscription.
Can I get YouTube Premium with YouTube Music?
No, having a YouTube Music subscription does not automatically give you access to YouTube Premium. YouTube Music and YouTube Premium are two separate services, and each requires a separate subscription. If you want to enjoy the premium features of YouTube, including ad-free videos, exclusive original content, and offline playback, you need to have a YouTube Premium subscription.
However, if you have a YouTube Music Premium subscription, you can upgrade to YouTube Premium by subscribing to YouTube Premium separately. This will give you access to the premium features on both the YouTube Music app and the regular YouTube app.
Do I need both YouTube Premium and YouTube Music?
It depends on your needs and preferences. If you only listen to music on YouTube and don’t care about video content, a YouTube Music subscription might be sufficient. On the other hand, if you watch a lot of videos on YouTube and want an ad-free experience, exclusive original content, and offline playback, a YouTube Premium subscription might be a better choice.
If you enjoy both music and video content on YouTube, having both subscriptions might be the best option. This will give you access to premium features on both the YouTube Music app and the regular YouTube app. However, if you’re on a budget, you might need to choose between the two services depending on your priorities.
Can I cancel one subscription if I have both?
Yes, you can cancel either subscription independently of the other. If you have both YouTube Premium and YouTube Music subscriptions and decide you no longer need one of them, you can cancel that subscription without affecting the other.
For example, if you decide you no longer want YouTube Premium but still want to use YouTube Music, you can cancel your YouTube Premium subscription and continue using YouTube Music Premium. Similarly, if you decide you no longer want YouTube Music but still want to use YouTube Premium, you can cancel your YouTube Music subscription and continue using YouTube Premium.