YouTube launches music app

YouTube has launched its standalone YouTube Music app, promising “a completely new type of experience”, designed to make it easier to discover music.

The free app will recommend tracks and create personalised stations based on users’ tastes – “any video, album, or artist starts a non-stop station”, according to YouTube.

The app will be home to all the official music videos, albums, songs, remixes and covers on the site from both old and new artists.

A home tab recommends tracks for each user, a trending tab keeps users up to date with new newest releases and an ‘on the rise’ tab features new songs and artists.

YouTube said that users can also “amplify” their experience by subscribing to its new YouTube Red subscription service. This will let YouTube Music users listen to music offline on mobile devices, listen in audio mode without having to load video, and listen to music ‘in the background’ while using other apps.

“No matter where you start in the app, the music will never stop. Every song you play or artist you choose will take you on an endless journey through YouTube’s music catalogue. A simple tap and you’re on your way, enjoying your favourite music and discovering new artists effortlessly,” said YouTube.

YouTube Red launched in the US last month, offering an ad-free version of the video service and the ability to watch videos offline on phones and tablets.

In August, YouTube rolled out a dedicated YouTube Gaming video service in the UK and US, in a move that puts it head-to-head with Amazon-owned rival Twitch. This offers gaming videos and live streams of videogame play and is available on the gaming.youtube.com site or as dedicated apps for Android and iOS devices.