Google had grand expectations for both YouTube and Google Play Music. There was a lot of chatter regarding YouTube’s anticipated subscription music playback service, background audio, and offline playback, eventually offering a closer understanding of the role of Play Music All Access in this configuration.
image
To simplify, YouTube was planning to launch a service known as YouTube Music Key. Concurrently, Google intended to rename Google Play Music All Access to Google Play Music Key.
YouTube Music Key was expected to provide ad-free music, audio-only playback (to support background or screen-off listening), and offline playback.
YouTube Music Key was proposed to offer a one-month free trial, following which the service would cost $9.99/month. Interestingly, this fee was to include both YouTube Music Key and Google Play Music Key. It was uncertain at the time if earlier subscribers of Play Music All Access would sustain a reduced subscription rate, however, it was suggested that those already subscribed to All Access would automatically gain access to the new subscription service.
As per the provided images, Google added “over 20 million top-quality tracks – entire albums, organized into artist discographies” specifically for Music Key.
Intriguingly, Google had already procured the domain YouTubeMusicKey.com while PlayMusicKey.com and GooglePlayMusicKey.com remained unregistered by Google at the time. The implications of this for the service remained uncertain, as with all yet-to-be-announced features and services, plans could alter swiftly prior to launch.
One of Music Key’s compelling selling points was supposed to be that users would have access to not only official discographies, but also concert footage, covers, and remixes. Although Play Music already hosted some remixes and covers, YouTube as a platform was considerably more flexible and efficient for derivative content – it’s much easier to upload content to, and user discoverability significantly differs from Play Music. YouTube Music Key also aimed to suggest what to watch/listen to based on your YouTube activity.
This could have been a strategic move from Google, leveraging YouTube’s instrumental creation and curation model (which already curates intelligence mixes based on user behavior) and vast content pool to enhance Play Music’s own library, bundling both into one affordable monthly subscription.
The launch date for this service remained unknown. Despite YouTube’s adaptability, Google still needed to negotiate with content owners. It was rumoured that Google faced several impediments in this aspect, especially from Indie labels expressing concerns about Google’s prospective contracts.
Any remaining disputes were hopefully resolved, and an announcement was anticipated soon.
Paul Balo is the founder of TechBooky and a highly skilled wireless communications professional with a strong background in cloud computing, offering extensive experience in designing, implementing, and managing wireless communication systems.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
