YouTube has just made a big announcement: starting on November 3rd, Canadian users will have access to background music playback when using other apps or when their phone’s screen is off. Users will be able to listen to music while the screen is off, as well as while background music is playing.
There will also be free continuous radio stations and shuffle in free YouTube Music in the future. All of your uploaded content will be available for background listening in addition to the regular ad-supported, personalised radio mixes. Google Assistant driving mode will be supported by Free YouTube Music, allowing users to operate YouTube Music without having to take their hands off the wheel.
Previously, customers had to upgrade to a Premium subscription in order to use YouTube Music’s functionality. While this is great news, it’s incredible that Google waited so long to include these necessary functions. Disabling free users from listening to music when the programme is closed or the screen is turned off is particularly greedy, especially since YouTube Music sends a notification encouraging free users to subscribe to continue listening.
One area where YouTube Music falls short of its rivals is in offering free background listening. This is an area where competitors such as Spotify are ahead of the competition. It is to be hoped that the expansion will begin as soon as possible.
Even if background playback is included in the free version of YouTube Music Premium, the paid version offers a number of other perks, including the ability to listen without being interrupted by commercials and easily switch between conventional audio and music videos.
There is no specific date given by YouTube as to when listeners in other countries can expect the same level of comfort.
