I’ve tried several music apps, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and even Tidal. Somehow, I keep coming back to YouTube Music, and I don’t see myself switching anytime soon. I started using YouTube Music casually because it came with my cheap YouTube Premium subscription. Initially, I thought it would be just another music app that I would try and move on from. But now, I’m totally hooked on it. While it may not be the perfect app for everyone, it hits the right notes for me in a way that no other service can.
I love listening to more than just official tracks
Where else can you find that cover from 2014?
One of the major reasons why YouTube Music is my preferred music streaming platform is that it offers more than just the official tracks. All music apps offer a licensed music catalog, featuring top-charting albums and radio singles, but YouTube Music dives deeper into fan-made and user-uploaded music. It provides fresh interpretations that aren’t available on other platforms. I’m a huge fan of unofficial covers, acoustic versions, remixes, and lo-fi mixes of popular tracks. Such rare music content is entirely missing from Spotify and Apple Music. While other apps push the official versions, YouTube Music has the exact version I want.
Whether you’re looking for a reverb Billie Eilish cover or a rare live Beyoncé performance, YouTube Music has it all. So, if you’re someone like me who enjoys music beyond just the mainstream hits, YouTube Music is absolutely worth it.
I don’t need a separate subscription
My YouTube subscription covers it
This might sound small, but trust me, this is where YouTube really shines. I pay for YouTube Premium, an all-in-one subscription that gives me access to music, videos, and YouTube Kids. This includes ad-free streaming, background play, and freedom to download music and videos for offline use. The fact that YouTube bundles everything into a single, $13.99 plan makes YouTube a worthy subscription.
On the other hand, Apple Music starts at $10.99, and Spotify’s plan starts at $11.99, and they primarily offer music. For just a few extra bucks, I get everything I need in a single app. Therefore, I don’t feel the need to spend on multiple subscriptions or juggle between platforms to listen to music and watch videos. If you also watch a lot of YouTube for more than just the music, this subscription offers greater value and saves real money compared to any other standalone music streaming app.
I enjoy seamless Integration with YouTube videos
Audio and video in sync
Another thing I like about YouTube is the seamless integration of audio and video music experiences. Although Apple Music has offered music videos since 2018, and Spotify added this functionality in 2024, they haven’t achieved the level of integration that YouTube Music offers.
Many times, when I’m enjoying a track, I feel like watching its video too. With a simple tap on the Video button, I can switch to the official video without losing my place. I love how the audio and video remain in sync. No lag, no breaks, no switching apps or extra loading, just smooth playback. This fluid experience makes YouTube Music feel more dynamic, feature-rich, and versatile than other music apps. If you also want a unified platform for both music and video content, YouTube Music hits just right.
Filters that win me over
No skips, only hits
There are times when I can’t decide which tunes truly resonate with my feelings. While every music app uses algorithms to curate music, YouTube wins me over with its on-point recommendations. It uses both my music and YouTube history to offer far more accurate suggestions.
Whether I’m in the mood to revisit old underrated gems, uplift my spirit, celebrate a small victory, or power through a long commute, YouTube never fails to impress me. Right on the home page, the app shows a row of filters, including Relax, Feel Good, Commute, Focus, Party, and more. With just a tap, I get a personalized mix of songs and playlists, and within a few seconds, I can find something that matches my mood. I use this function more than I ever imagined, and it now aligns perfectly with my daily rhythm. I have used Spotify and Apple Music for quite a long time, but neither of them impressed me as much as YouTube Music does.
What I absolutely love about YouTube Music is the sense of community it offers. The comments section feels like a shared space where people who love the same tunes can come together, and this adds more depth to my listening experience.
I love scrolling through the comments section. I often find fun facts, personal stories, cultural context, or insights about the artist that deepen my connection to the music. Unlike other music apps that have an isolated listening environment, YouTube Music turns streaming into a more interactive experience. For me, music isn’t just about listening to songs; rather, it’s more about connecting with people who share similar interests. Many times, the comment section has helped me discover new artists and titles, which I wouldn’t have come across otherwise.
It’s not perfect, but it’s my way
Honestly, there’s no perfect app that suits everyone. I know YouTube Music also has some flaws. Particularly, the interface feels less polished than Apple Music’s streamlined and sleek UI. Also, it lacks advanced features like Spotify Connect, which allows you to use one device to remotely control playback on another. That said, this isn’t a dealbreaker for me. Rather than these bells and whistles, I prefer the unmatched music library, value for money, seamless integration, helpful filters, and those warm community vibes that YouTube Music offers. This might not please everyone, but if you’re someone like me, YouTube Music is made for you.
