The latest updates from YouTube Music, for subscribers of its Music Premium and Premium services, include a new feature that allows users to switch seamlessly between a song and its music video for an uninterrupted experience.
It has also introduced Smart Downloads which takes the work out of downloading music, allowing users to store and play hundreds of tunes offline, automatically. YouTube Music has also announced new playlists for South Africa.
The
updates all reflect features that are popular on the global leader in music
streaming, Spotify, and that have been key to its growth.
YouTube said in a statement on Friday: “Imagine listening
to a new track by your favourite artist in the YouTube Music app and having the
ability to seamlessly switch over to watch the music video – no pauses, no
interruptions, just a simple tap that keeps the music flowing. This standout
new feature
from YouTube Music allows YouTube Premium and YouTube Music Premium subscribers
to make a seamless transition between a song and its music video for
uninterrupted listening and/or watching. Whether you’re in the mood for
listening or watching (or a little of both)… it’s all here – no app switching
required.”
With
Smart
Downloads, YouTube
Music automatically saves music at night, when connected to Wi-Fi, helping
subscribers to use less mobile data, enjoy a smoother updating experience and
save up to 500 songs offline using Liked Songs playlist as well as other
playlists and albums.
Previously, music lovers could use the Offline Mixtape feature to download up
to 100 songs, specifically chosen for them based on what they listened to most
on the platform. Now, with Smart Downloads, they select the number of songs
they would like automatically downloaded by toggling their YouTube Music
Settings. This means YouTube Music Premium subscribers with Smart Downloads
enabled on their mobile devices can now access hundreds of tracks regardless of
connectivity.
This
feature is currently available on Android, with plans to bring it to iOS in the
future.
Click here to read more about YouTube Music playlists, and find out what is inside them.