My search for the ultimate music experience involved testing Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Spotify. I bounced between Apple Music’s curated playlists, Amazon Music’s vast catalog, and Spotify’s social features, yet I always came back to YouTube Music. It wasn’t just nostalgia. It was the unique combination of its expansive YouTube library, almost accurate recommendations, addictive sample feature, flawless experience on Android, and seamless podcast integration. Plus, it is bundled with YouTube Premium, a service I love, making it an undeniable winner.
Massive YouTube library
Beyond the standard music selection, YouTube Music’s strength lies in its expansive content universe. I’m not only talking about studio albums. YouTube Music streams live shows, concert recordings, and remixes that breathe new life into old favorites and the creativity of independent creators. You won’t find that depth and variety elsewhere. Then, there’s the videos tab. This neat feature flips and lets me switch from pure audio to full video feed. It’s all there, integrated into the listening experience.
Since YouTube Music is neatly integrated with the YouTube ecosystem, it is convenient to access my music across devices. For example, on my smart TV, where I use the YouTube app for countless hours of viewing, my playlists and liked songs are just a click away.
Flawless recommendations
I tried Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Spotify. They all had good stuff, but none really got my taste. Apple Music’s curated playlists often felt too broad. Amazon Music’s vast library struggled to surface hidden gems that resonate with my listening history. Spotify, despite its algorithmic powers, often felt like it recommended music based on trends rather than my tastes.
Then, there was YouTube Music. What struck me immediately was its ability to deliver astute recommendations that felt genuinely personal. It wasn’t only about suggesting popular tracks in genres I liked. It was about understanding the specific artists, albums, and songs from my playlists and liked music. YouTube Music didn’t just give me trendy suggestions. It understood my musical DNA, and that made all the difference.
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Samples and podcast integration
Let’s talk about the little things that make YouTube Music my go-to. First, the samples are like musical appetizers. You get short, snappy clips of songs, and it’s the perfect way to discover new artists without committing to a full track. I have found many hidden gems by letting the samples play. It’s super addictive.
Then there’s the speed dial feature. I can pin my favorite playlists and songs at the top of the app. It’s a small thing, but it saves time. I don’t need to hop through menus. My go-to tunes are always there.
Like Spotify, I enjoyed the podcast integration in YouTube Music. I used to juggle apps for music and podcasts, which was a pain. Now, everything’s in one place. It makes my commute, my workouts, and my chores more enjoyable. It’s all about convenience, and YouTube Music nails it.
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Superior experience on Android
As a Galaxy S23 Ultra user, the fact that YouTube Music is a first-party app makes a noticeable difference. The widgets, for instance, are fantastic, support Material You, and are neatly designed. They’re clean and functional and integrate seamlessly with my home screen. I can control playback, see what’s playing, and access my recently played tracks without opening the app.
The UI isn’t as sleek as Spotify, but it’s still nice. It’s intuitive and responsive and gets the job done.
YouTube Premium bundle
Here’s the thing that sealed the deal for me: YouTube Premium. I was already paying for it, mainly to avoid those ever-growing YouTube ads. It was my best decision ever. Getting YouTube Music with my existing subscription sweetens the deal. It’s one of the few subscriptions I pay for without thinking twice. I get ad-free YouTube, which is convenient and a music streaming service that perfectly matches my listening habits. It’s a win-win.
My music streaming journey
Is YouTube Music the best streaming service out there? Absolutely not. I have realized that the best music streaming service is a personal choice. While others might prioritize high-fidelity audio, curated playlists, or social sharing, YouTube Music ticks all the right boxes for me. This service understands my taste, keeps me engaged, and seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. It’s the perfect soundtrack to my life. If you are new to YouTube Music, here are the top tips to get the best out of it.
