YouTube has formally launched its own music streaming app in the Philippines. The video-sharing platform’s YouTube Music is now downloadable for free via the Google Play Store and iOS App Store. It can also be accessed through the YouTube Music channel on YouTube’s site.
YouTube Music is a reimagined, made-for-music app and web player featuring official songs, albums, thousands of playlists and artist radio plus YouTube’s tremendous catalog of remixes, live performances, covers and music videos that may not be found anywhere else—organized and personalized.
Currently, over a billion music fans visit YouTube every month to listen to their favorites and at the same time discover new music. YouTube has also become a platform where more than 2 million artists share their voices and art with the rest of the world.
“Filipinos love music,” said Google Philippines Head of Marketing Gabby Roxas. “The launch of YouTube Music here in the Philippines gives them a whole new way to enjoy the music they love and more excitingly, introduces them to exclusive covers and originals that they cannot find elsewhere.”
YouTube’s Director of Product Management, Music Products T.Jay Fowler revealed that YouTube Music was created to help people find the music they love through a more immersive music experience. “We’re proud that the Philippines’ rich musical heritage and talents have a home on YouTube and we’re so excited to bring it closer to our users with the launch of YouTube Music in the country,” he said.
’90s VJs Donita Rose (extreme left) and KC Montero (extreme right) hosted the launch party of YouTube Music on November 14. Also in the photo are Google Philippines Communications and Public Affairs Manager Mervin Wenke (second from left), Head of Marketing Gabby Roxas (third from left), and B2B Marketing Specialist Pam Cabuslay.
Notable features
Aside from offering a wide array of original music, remixes, covers, and live performances, YouTube Music also features a dynamic home screen that provides recommendations based on the music played previously and the listener’s physical activity. Thus, a user can have a special set of playlists when he/she is working out at the gym or taking a commute going to school or office.
Smart Search enables YouTube Music to find any song, even if the user can’t remember the title. A user can even search a song through the lyrics (by typing or using voice search). Switching between music videos and songs is also made simpler and faster through a tap of a button. And lastly, YouTube Music is updated with today’s hottest tunes, music, and trending videos. It even comes with its own Hotlist screen.
December Avenue was among the performers during the launch at 12 Monkeys Music Hall & Pub, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
YouTube Music Premium
Moreover, YouTube Music Premium has also been simultaneously launched. It is a paid membership allowing users to play songs and even videos in the background while they toggle between apps, compose a text message, or lock the mobile phone during a run. The premium streaming service also offers an offline downloading and completely ad-free streaming experience for a cost starting at just P129 per month.
Google Play Music subscribers are now getting YouTube Music Premium membership as part of their monthly subscription. They will continue to access all their purchased music, uploads, and playlists in Google Play Music.