YouTube is planning a move to expand into the music subscription service to compete with companies like Spotify and Rdio, according to Variety magazine. The launch would begin possibly by year’s end, with the video giant offering both free and premium tiers and offline listening options through both computers and mobiles.
No official announcements have been made by the company as of yet, but the move is a logical one for the giant, who already possesses some of the most-viewed videos and most popular music-related channels, thanks to a partnership with Vevo that increased its music repertoire. Expansion plans will likely also integrate parent company Google’s music service Google Play Music All Access, which provides users with a huge music library and the ability to personalize their own radio stations based on their preferences.
YouTube is the internet’s largest video site, with more than one billion monthly users. The company is already planning its own YouTube Music Awards on Nov. 3 which will feature performances by artists like Eminem and Lady Gaga.
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Hollabaugh, a staff writer at MusicRow magazine, has over 20 years of music business experience and has written for publications including American Profile, CMA Close Up, Nashville Arts And Entertainment, The Boot and Country Weekly. She has a Broadcast Journalism and Speech Communication degree from Texas Christian University, (go Horned Frogs), and welcomes your feedback or story ideas at lhollabaugh@musicrow.com.View Author Profile
