YouTube has confirmed its plans to launch a new music service. The service, known as YouTube Music Key, will allow users the ability to listen to music and watch accompanying without advertisements, as well as play music videos when switching to another app.
A subscription to Google Play, the sister service of Music Key, will also be available for subscribers, according to a statement posted on YouTube’s official blog, as well as access to higher quality audio. YouTube is owned by Google.
We’re all about that bass … and also making music better. http://t.co/5ltZKaV7NS pic.twitter.com/gTC8H9HwZs
— YouTube (@YouTube) November 12, 2014
The cost is due to be £9.99 per month. However, those who sign up to the service early will receive a discounted price of £7.99 per month, according to a report from The Guardian. The beta test will be restricted to seven countries, including the UK, and will be invitation only, the report adds. The beta is due to last for six months.
In an interview with The Guardian, Anjali Southward, the head of YouTube’s music partnerships, said the site had become the biggest music service on the planet, and it was imperative that the relationship with fans and artists built continued to thrive.
“We want YouTube to continue to be the best place for fans and artists to connect,” Southward said. “We want fans to be able to connect with more of the music that they enjoy, and artists to have more opportunities to connect, as well as more revenue.”
The service will primarily be available on web as well as Android and iOS platforms, YouTube said. YouTube has also set up a site where people can sign up for the Beta platform.
Some of YouTube’s recently popular music videos include songs from artists including Meghan Trainor, Sam Smith, Calvin Harris and Taylor Swift.
What do you think? Will YouTube’s new music service take off? Have your say in the comments section below.
