I love music. I listen to music whenever I’m relaxing after a long day of classes, completing assignments, or even eating my favorite food (mac and cheese will do it every single time). Music is always playing in my ears, and when I’m feeling in that groovy mood, my finger seems to take on a life of its own, instinctively swiping toward YouTube Music. Seriously, I’m telling you, I don’t even have to think 99% of the time, my body just acts.
You know it. I know it. There’s so many music platforms out there. Yet, there's only three popular ones currently taking those other platforms by storm: YouTube Music, Spotify, and Apple Music.
Though, if you ask me, YouTube Music is top tier when placed next to the other two. But look, I have dabbled a little with Spotify and may have once or twice opened Apple Music, yet somehow they just don’t work for me. There’s something special about YouTube Music, and lucky for you, I’m here to open your eyes to a very much underrated platform!
Here are a few reasons why YouTube Music will always be my main and only source of listening and discovering music!
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If you're like me and love simplicity, accessibility, and a music platform that is very much in tune to what your song habits are—YouTube Music might just be the missing puzzle piece in your life. So, if you have never heard of or opened the platform YouTube Music, stop reading for a minute and quickly download the app because right now is the perfect time to do so!
As soon as you enter the app, you're presented with the speed dial tab, cataloging in a way that’s aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The speed dial section typically gives you an easy view of your constant replays and most listened to playlist.
If that’s not screaming “convenient” then I don’t know what else would. For me, my most played songs are "Pasture Child," "White Keys," and "Rollerblades" by Dominick Fike (he will also do it every single time). This convenience is key because my finger won’t have to click too far to listen to his songs (especially when my finger has no time for waiting and searching).
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In the quick picks section, YouTube Music is generous with offering you new song selections based on what you typically listen to. So, if you’re someone who likes to listen to Dominick Fike (like me), be prepared to be given the gift of more alternative indie songs and other similar artists to check out!
However, if you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy alternative indie songs but would like to discover new songs from different genres, don’t worry, I got you! Just read on my friend, read on.
Have you ever been in a music funk? Wishing for a new song to listen to? Has it ever gotten to the point where the songs you constantly play become annoying?
Causing you to go to desperate lengths to find new music (like begging your friends for new song recommendations)? Yes? Well, fear not! YouTube Music’s daily discover section offers you new songs/music to listen to daily, so that you’ll never be wishing for that new song.
These songs can range from pop music to R&B or something completely out of your typical genre. This section is truly a gem because it’s a simple way to discover new music from artists you have probably never heard of!
Not only that but these songs can also be based on what you usually listen to. For example, since I recently listened to "Dress" by Taylor Swift, the daily discover section offered "Siren sounds (bonus)" by Tate McRae, stating in a small caption underneath the song title, “Sounds like 'Dress' by Taylor Swift.” This feature is neat because it offers a variety of songs that fit my music taste, even songs that sound similar to other songs!
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Take the Quiz: What Type of Music Should You Listen to While Studying?
Not sure what music would help you focus best while studying? Then this is the quiz for you!
Less Annoying Advertisements
Okay, I’m not going to sugarcoat this. If YouTube Music has any flaws, it’s with advertisements. In any music platform you utilize there’s going to be an ad one way or another; there’s no getting past that (unless you purchase a premium subscription). However, even with the flaw of having to suffer through 15-20 second ads on YouTube Music, it’s still relatively small in quantity and often skippable.
When I’m listening to music, I need a seamless playthrough. So, if I’m being interrupted with 5+ ads, I’m closing the app instantly (sorry Spotify). In addition to the constant interruptions in Spotify, the ads aren’t often skippable such as in YouTube Music. Being that these are perks of a free membership on YouTube Music (fewer ads, and skippable ads) this is a great deal.
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Skippable Songs & Versatility
One of my favorite features of YouTube Music is the ability to skip songs whenever you want. I remember using Spotify in the past and not being able to consistently skip songs. Now, Spotify gives users the ability to freely play and skip songs. Although this is a great addition to Spotify, it’s still not a strong enough reason for me to switch platforms (sorry again Spotify).
Even though YouTube Music is a music platform—extending from YouTube—you can still watch and access different previously watched videos. When I opened YouTube Music recently, I scrolled towards the bottom of the page and noticed that I am actually able to continue watching videos from the regular YouTube app. This app has everything you need to enjoy music and watch your favorite videos/music videos.
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Final Thoughts
YouTube Music will always be my favorite. With all of its features for free members, it’s a complete no brainer as to why it’s top tier on my list of music platforms.
For all my Spotify lovers out there, the app is not horrible, it’s just I have been using YouTube Music for so long now—it’s too late. Even if by some chance I do return to Spotify in the future, it would perhaps be due to YouTube Music being shut down or banished from society (I’m knocking on wood).
While I haven’t discussed Apple Music, it is known by many that this platform is not free by any margin. Sorry Apple Music, it’s not me, it’s all completely you. Also, if you ask me, there’s a copious amount of Apple users.
If one of them doesn’t want to use YouTube Music or Spotify, Apple Music should at least offer its own free membership to those who do not want to purchase a monthly subscription. It’s only fair to those who have Apple devices; they shouldn’t have to suffer too.
All in all, if I have encouraged you in any way to try out YouTube Music, I hope you end up liking it! Feel free to share in the comments which music platform you enjoy using.
And to you, my fellow YouTube Music lover, here’s to hoping that this app continues to exist freely in the future for our entertainment and musical satisfaction!
