Why I Switched to YouTube Premium and YouTube Music from Spotify : A Personal Journey
As a lifelong music enthusiast who has navigated from Napster and iTunes to the world of streaming platforms, I've experienced them all. From Spotify, where my family enjoys our shared plan, to Apple Music whose user interface and playlists didn't resonate with me, I've been searching for the perfect fit. While Tidal's recommendations fell short for me and Qobuz, despite its high quality, couldn’t always deliver what I was looking for, Deezer was just okay, not quite hitting the mark either.
However, my quest possibly ended when I recently subscribed to YouTube Premium, which also includes YouTube Music. I must say, I am genuinely falling in love with it! So, from one music lover to another, here are five reasons why you might consider subscribing to YouTube Premium and YouTube Music.
1. Complete Ad-Free Experience
Have you noticed an increase in ads on YouTube lately? It seems like they're not only more frequent but also harder to skip, which, in my opinion, really detracts from the overall experience. This intrusion can be particularly frustrating when you're trying to enjoy a music playlist or dive into a series of videos. Subscribing to YouTube Premium has transformed my viewing and listening sessions by removing these interruptions entirely. Whether I'm exploring new music, catching up on lifestyle vlogs, or watching instructional videos, the ad-free environment makes my experience much more enjoyable and fluid. It feels like I'm getting the premium, uninterrupted service that modern internet users crave.
2. Integrated YouTube Music Service: A Personal Journey Through Music
My personal journey with YouTube Music has been nothing short of a revelation, especially as someone who loves Indie American music, with a particular fondness for the vibes of California. Playlists like "Indie Coffee Shop" not only cater perfectly to my musical tastes but also somehow transport me closer to my dream of living in the U.S. It’s almost as if each playlist is a new avenue, taking me through the streets of California or US, one song at a time.
The recommendation engine on YouTube Music is phenomenal. It seems to understand not just my current mood but also my deeper, aspirational connections to music. Whether it's discovering a rare track from a niche Indie band or enjoying classic French tunes that remind me of home, YouTube Music's selection is unparalleled. Some songs, especially by certain French artists, simply aren’t available on any other platform. This exclusive access makes YouTube Music indispensable to my daily routine.
Furthermore, the design of YouTube Music is a breath of fresh air. Its clean, minimalist interface makes navigating through its vast library an enjoyable experience. Each interaction feels intuitive and uncluttered, which starkly contrasts with my experience on Apple Music. Despite Apple being synonymous with top-tier design, I find their user interface for Apple Music to be surprisingly lackluster and unintuitive.
3. Background Play Is a Game-Changer
One of the standout features of YouTube Premium that I find myself using constantly is background play. This functionality allows videos to continue playing even when you switch apps or turn your screen off. For someone who loves to multitask, this feature is invaluable. Whether I'm responding to emails, browsing through social media, or even going for a jog, I can keep listening to my favorite playlists, podcasts, or tutorials uninterrupted.
This feature not only enhances convenience but also offers a seamless listening experience that traditional YouTube users don't get. Imagine tuning into a long documentary or a step-by-step tutorial and having the flexibility to look up something related online without pausing the video. It keeps me connected to the content I love without tying me down to my screen.
Additionally, background play is perfect for music lovers who don’t want to drain their phone’s battery by keeping the screen on. It’s a feature that once you start using, you wonder how you ever managed without it. For those who use their phone as a primary source of media, it transforms the device into a more powerful multimedia tool, greatly enhancing the utility of YouTube Premium.
4. Seamless Integration with Apple HomePod Mini
As an avid user of Apple's HomePod Mini, I've always been captivated by its incredible sound quality. However, I often felt restricted by its compatibility limitations with music services outside of Apple’s ecosystem. That’s why the recent integration of YouTube Music with the HomePod Mini has been a complete game changer for me.
Now, I can effortlessly ask Siri to play music directly from YouTube Music, including my favorite Indie playlists. This capability has significantly enhanced how I interact with my HomePod Mini, turning a great sounding device into a more versatile and powerful musical companion. Whether I'm in the mood for some relaxing tunes during dinner or need an upbeat playlist for a home workout, I can simply call out to Siri and have YouTube Music take care of the rest.
This newfound flexibility feels like the walls of Apple’s typically closed garden have been opened, giving me the best of both worlds: superb sound quality and access to YouTube Music's expansive and unique catalog. It’s honestly a dream come true for any music lover who appreciates both high-quality audio and diverse music offerings.
5. Frustration with Rising Costs at Spotify
Lately, I’ve grown increasingly frustrated with Spotify’s pricing strategy. It seems every time I turn around, there's a price increase, which ostensibly covers the expansion of services like podcasts and audiobooks. While these additions might be valuable for some, I’m not a fan of podcasts nor do I have time for audiobooks. Yet, it feels like I'm being asked to subsidize these expansions through my subscription fees.
This one-size-fits-all approach doesn't sit well with me. I believe Spotify should launch a separate platform for podcasts, allowing music lovers to opt for a more focused and potentially cheaper music-only subscription. Despite my appreciation for Spotify’s playlists—which I genuinely will miss—the overall value proposition just doesn’t make sense for me anymore.
In contrast, my move to YouTube Premium feels more tailored to what I value most: music and video content without unnecessary additions that don't align with my interests. It’s refreshing to pay for a service that feels more in tune with how I want to use it.
Conclusion: Finding My Streaming Service of Choice
After years of exploring various streaming platforms, each with its unique features and quirks, it seems I have finally found the service that truly resonates with my needs—YouTube Premium. With its ad-free experience, background play functionality, and the surprisingly intuitive YouTube Music, I've been provided with a level of convenience and personalization that I hadn't found elsewhere.
YouTube Music, in particular, understands my musical tastes like no other service has, offering playlists that feel tailor-made for my lifestyle and preferences. The seamless integration with devices like the Apple HomePod Mini and the freedom from the increasingly burdensome costs of services packed with features I don’t use, like Spotify, has been liberating.
Therefore, I have decided it’s time to bid farewell to Spotify and cease my continuous search for something better. YouTube Premium has earned its place as my streaming platform of choice, not just for its features but for how it aligns so well with what I value most in my digital, musical, and everyday experiences.
Give it a try!
Jerome