Yes, you can stream YouTube Music for free.
YouTube Music offers a free tier that allows users to enjoy their favorite tracks, albums, and artists without a subscription. This free experience is ad-supported, meaning you will encounter advertisements during your listening sessions. While the free version provides access to a vast music library, it comes with certain limitations compared to its paid counterpart, YouTube Music Premium.
Understanding YouTube Music Free vs. Premium
The primary difference between the free service and a premium membership lies in the features available. A YouTube Music Premium membership enhances the listening experience by removing ads, enabling offline downloads, and allowing music to play in the background while using other apps or with your screen off.
Here's a comparison to clarify the key differences:
| Feature | YouTube Music (Free) | YouTube Music Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Paid subscription |
| Ad-free experience | No (includes audio and video ads) | Yes (no ads on music or videos) |
| Offline listening | No (cannot download music for offline playback) | Yes (download tracks, albums, and playlists) |
| Background playback | Not typically available for mobile (music stops when you switch apps or lock screen) | Yes (music continues to play in the background) |
| Ad-free videos | No (ads on music videos) | Yes (watch music videos without interruptions) |
| Access to catalog | Full music catalog | Full music catalog |
How to Access YouTube Music for Free
To start streaming YouTube Music for free, simply download the YouTube Music app on your mobile device (available on iOS and Android) or visit the YouTube Music website on your desktop. You can then begin searching for and playing your desired music, albums, and artists immediately.
