Why do I need Google Play Music?
Google Play Music is Google’s music streaming service that provides access to an extensive library of songs, albums, and artists. Some of the key features and benefits of Google Play Music include:
Access to a library of over 50 million songs that users can stream on demand (1). Smart music recommendations powered by advanced algorithms to suggest music users will enjoy (1). The ability to upload up to 50,000 of your own songs to Google’s servers for free (2). An ad-free listening experience across the service (3). Offline listening that allows you to save songs, albums or playlists on your device to listen when internet access is unavailable (1). Cross-device access so you can listen across smartphones, tablets, computers and smart speakers (1). Family sharing to grant up to 6 members joint access to the service (1). Tight integration with YouTube so you can easily transition between the services (2). Competitive pricing compared to other top streaming services (1).
Access Extensive Music Library
One of the key benefits of Google Play Music is the extensive catalog of songs available to subscribers. With over 40 million tracks in their library, Google Play Music offers an incredibly diverse selection of music spanning many genres, decades, and languages. Users can stream chart-topping new releases, discover niche indie artists, revisit throwback tracks from past eras, and explore music from around the world. The vast library on Google Play Music aims to satisfy all musical tastes.
In addition to streaming from Google’s catalog, subscribers can also upload up to 50,000 of their own songs to the cloud. This allows you to stream your personal music collection anywhere via Google Play Music. By combining their catalog with your own uploads, Google Play Music gives you access to an unparalleled selection of music.
Smart Music Recommendations
One of the key features that sets Google Play Music apart is its ability to provide personalized music recommendations tailored to each listener’s tastes. The service’s algorithms analyze your listening habits across devices to suggest new artists, albums, and playlists you may enjoy (Google Play Music). As you listen to songs on Google Play Music, it gets to know your preferences and curates recommendations based on your usage patterns and music you’ve added to your library.
The more you use Google Play Music, the better it becomes at predicting music you’ll like. It pays attention to what you listen to frequently, which songs you thumbs up or down, and analyses your library to find similar artists. This allows Google Play Music to surface personalized recommendations on the home screen like “Made For You” playlists based on your taste profile.
In addition, when you start a radio station in Google Play Music based on an artist, song or genre, it will customize the playlist with recommendations tailored specifically for you. The recommendations improve over time the more feedback the service receives through your listening behavior.
Overall, the recommendation algorithms in Google Play Music aim to help listeners discover new music and expand their horizons beyond what they already know. By learning your preferences, Google Play Music takes the guesswork out of finding new songs and artists to enjoy.
Ad-Free Listening
One of the key benefits of Google Play Music is the ad-free listening experience it provides. Unlike some other free music streaming services, Google Play Music does not insert audio or visual advertisements between songs or albums. This allows for uninterrupted listening without disruptive ads interrupting the flow of the music.
The ad-free experience applies to both music you upload to Google Play Music from your own library, as well as to the millions of songs available through Google’s licensed catalog. You can listen to any song or playlist without worrying about pesky ads popping up.
According to the Google Play Music review on PCMag, “Google Play Music offers an ad-free listening experience.” This sets it apart from other free services like Pandora or Spotify’s free tier, which insert ads periodically.
By subscribing to Google Play Music, you can enjoy your music without interruptions. The ad-free feature allows you to get lost in the music without annoying distractions.
Offline Listening
One of the key benefits of Google Play Music is the ability to download songs, albums, playlists, and more for offline listening when an internet connection is unavailable (1). This makes it easy to access your music library on flights, during subway commutes, or whenever you are away from WiFi.
Google Play Music lets you download up to 50,000 songs from your library for offline use. Downloaded content is available across devices, so you can download tracks on your computer and then access them offline later from your phone or tablet (2). The app makes offline listening simple – just tap the download icon next to any track, album, or playlist to save it locally.
Offline listening is an essential feature for anyone who frequently travels or commutes without an internet connection. With Google Play Music you never have to worry about losing access to your favorite music and playlists just because you are offline.
Sources:
(1) https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/how-to-download-music-from-google-play
(2) https://www.talkandroid.com/guides/beginner/how-to-download-from-google-play-music-for-offline-playback/
Cross-Device Access
One of the key benefits of Google Play Music is its seamless cross-device access and syncing. You can start listening to a playlist on your Android phone, pause it, then pick up right where you left off on your iPad or laptop (1). Google Play Music is available across Android, iOS, and the web, so your full library and listening activity stays in sync no matter what device you switch to (2). This cross-device syncing happens automatically in the background so you never lose your place.
With Google Play Music, you don’t have to worry about manually transferring music files or playlists between devices. Everything is instantly accessible and stays up to date across all your devices with no effort required on your part. This convenience makes Google Play Music a seamless listening experience.
Sources:
(1) https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/6q5rr1/latestcross_device_google_clock_51422/
(2) https://www.larkplayer.com/resource/music-player/google-play-music-alternative.html
Family Sharing
The Google Play Music family plan allows up to 6 family members to share one subscription for access to millions of songs ad-free (https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/6317858?hl=en-GB). This is a great way for families to save money by sharing the benefits of a premium music service.
To set up family sharing, the plan manager logs into their Google account and invites up to 5 other people to join their family group. Once invited, the family members accept the invitation and link their Google accounts. Then the plan manager confirms their family members and payment method.
With Google Play Music family sharing, each family member gets their own personalized account and recommendations, while still being able to access the shared library of music. It’s an affordable way for the whole family to enjoy an ad-free music experience.
Integration with YouTube
One of the major benefits of Google Play Music is its seamless integration with YouTube (https://www.androidpolice.com/2020/10/24/google-play-music-to-youtube-music-making-the-switch/). This allows you to access a huge library of music videos and live performances directly within the Google Play Music app and playlists. For example, when listening to an artist, you can easily switch over to watching their music videos or live concerts. The integration works both ways too – you can start playing a song video on YouTube and it will continue playing when you switch over to the Google Play Music app.
Users praise the integration as a key differentiator from competitors like Spotify (https://www.reddit.com/r/YoutubeMusic/comments/13km8fl/yes_yt_music_does_suck_but_as_a_one_time_google/). The ability to seamlessly switch between audio tracks and music videos creates a much more immersive and enriched listening experience. Overall, the deep YouTube integration expands the music library massively and sets Google Play Music apart.
Competitive Pricing
Google Play Music offers highly competitive pricing compared to other major music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. Google Play Music can be purchased for a monthly subscription of $9.99 for an individual plan or $14.99 for a family plan covering up to 6 users (1). This compares very favorably to Spotify, which charges $9.99 per month for an individual premium subscription and $15.99 for a family plan (2). Similarly, Apple Music costs $9.99/month for an individual membership or $14.99/month for a family membership. Given the extremely competitive and essentially identical pricing across these major streaming platforms, Google Play Music emerges as an appealing option given its seamless integration with YouTube and the ability to access a massive music catalog at an affordable price point.
Conclusion
Google Play Music offers numerous key benefits for music lovers. With access to an extensive catalog of over 50 million songs, intelligent recommendations, ad-free listening, offline downloads, and multi-device syncing, Google Play Music makes it easy to enjoy all your favorite music.
The service’s integration with YouTube is another big perk, giving you access to millions of music videos and live performances. Plus, family sharing allows up to 6 people to share one subscription, which is very cost effective.
Overall, with its combination of extensive music library, smart features, and reasonable pricing, Google Play Music stands out as a top option for music streaming. It provides everything you need to listen to all the music you love, whenever and wherever you want.
