YouTube Music is losing its background playback support for free users. Tests conducted in Canada will no longer continue. YouTube, with its Music app, has attracted millions of users, offering many features under its Premium subscription. Now, the company is preparing to make yet another service paid. The free background listening experience tested in Canada has come to an end.
YouTube Music to Restrict Background Playback to Premium Members Only
YouTube Music is pulling back the free feature it tested in Canada. Since 2021, users have been able to listen to music in the background even when the screen or the YouTube Music app was closed. However, starting from July 8, the free background listening option will be discontinued.
YouTube Music informed users via email that this experience will not expand to more countries. It’s important to note that Premium members can still listen to radio/music in the background when their screen or app is closed.
Non-Premium users will only be able to listen to music and playlists when the app is open. If users switch to another app or lock their phone screen, playback will stop.
Ads will continue to be shown to non-Premium users. They will also be able to listen to music by adding songs to a playlist, rather than relying on shuffle play. Features like playlist recommendations and Samples will remain free. Integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with background listening, will require a YouTube Music Premium or YouTube Premium subscription. It’s worth noting that these features are currently available to all Spotify users.
User Reactions and Market Impact
The decision to restrict background playback to Premium members has sparked outrage among users, who see this move as another step towards monetizing essential features. While YouTube aims to increase its Premium subscriptions, this decision could potentially push users towards competing services like Spotify, which offers these features to all users without any additional cost.
What are your thoughts on YouTube Music’s new policy? Do you think this will push more users to subscribe to Premium, or will it drive them to other music streaming platforms? Share your opinions in the comments section below.
