According to reports, Google is preparing to launch YouTube Music Key and rebrand its existing music streaming service, Google Play Music All Access, to Google Play Music Key.
This news comes after the July departure of YouTube Music’s head, Chris LaRosa, after reported frustrations about the final design in addition to the licensing and pricing structure of the forthcoming music subscription service.
YouTube Music Key has added over 20 million high quality tracks. Music discographies will be offered with unlimited skipping and uninterrupted listening while using other mobile apps, when screens are off, or when phones are offline. Video of derivative content like live concert material, covers and remixes can be collected for offline playback. Improvements are planned for Google Music’s discoverability and curation.
No word on when the service will be announced, but reports note that YouTube Music Key and Google Play Music Key will be offered together at $9.99 after a 30-day free trial. Current Google Play subscribers ($9.99/month) could receive the new service automatically.
Using conversion rates from Pandora and Spotify, Billboard estimates YouTube Music Key could get between 6.7 million and 30.7 million subscribers. Estimated annual revenue could reach $804 million in the United States alone.
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Eric T. Parker oversees operations and contributes editorial for MusicRow's print magazine, MusicRow.com, the RowFax tip sheet and the MusicRow CountryBreakout chart. He also facilitates annual events for the enterprise, including MusicRow Awards, CountryBreakout Awards and the Rising Women on the Row. eparker@musicrow.com | @EricTParkerView Author Profile
