Google’s third music streaming attempt launched May 2018, replacing Google Play Music (2011-2020) after multiple failed services. Leveraged YouTube’s 2B+ users and vast music video catalog—including user uploads, live performances, remixes unavailable on Spotify. $9.99/month Premium tier offered ad-free listening, background play, downloads. Free tier with ads competed directly with Spotify’s freemium model. By 2023, reached 80M+ subscribers—distant second to Spotify’s 200M+ but growing via YouTube Premium bundling and emerging markets. Artists complained about lowest per-stream payouts (~$0.002 vs Spotify’s $0.003-4), but YouTube argued total ecosystem compensation (ads, premium, music videos) provided fairer picture. Platform’s strength: official releases + user-generated content + music videos created comprehensive music universe Spotify couldn’t match. Weakness: late entry, forced Google Play Music migration alienated early adopters, interface criticized as cluttered. Demonstrated video-first platform’s music ambitions viable but challenging against audio-native competitors.
Sources: The Verge, Music Business Worldwide, YouTube official announcements, artist payout comparisons.