Google Play Music
By Google LLC
Google Play Music was a paid, ad‑free music streaming service that allowed users to upload, store, and stream personal music libraries and meet a catalogue of tracks via Google Play Music's own CDN. The service was discontinued in 2021 and shifted to YouTube Music.
YouTube Premium
By Google LLC
YouTube Premium provides ad‑free YouTube videos, background playback, offline downloads, and access to YouTube Music where users can stream, discover, and download music across multiple devices.
Comparison Matrix
| Feature | Google Play Music | YouTube Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Music Streaming Availability | No (discontinued) | Yes |
| Video Content | No | Yes |
| Ad‑Free Experience | Yes (for subscription) | Yes (all content) |
Overall Score Comparison
Feature Benchmark Ratings
Google Play Music Analysis
Pros
- Ad‑free music playback
- Exclusive premium tracks
- Google ecosystem integration
Cons
- Service discontinued
- No video component
- Limited playback controls compared to modern players
YouTube Premium Analysis
Pros
- Ad‑free videos and music
- Background playback
- Offline downloads
- Updates and early access to new features
Cons
- Higher subscription cost
- Limited track selection compared to standalone streaming services
- Playback sometimes tied to YouTube account
AI Verdict
YouTube Premium emerges as the clear winner due to its comprehensive media offering, advanced playback features, and active development. Google Play Music, while historically significant, lacks current support and fails to compete with modern streaming standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I download Google Play Music now that it’s discontinued?
The music library from Google Play Music was migrated to YouTube Music and Google Takeout, where you can export your uploaded tracks; however, playback must now be done via YouTube Music.
Is YouTube Premium available in my region?
YouTube Premium is available in most major markets; check the YouTube website to confirm availability in your country.
Can I use YouTube Premium to listen to podcasts?
Yes, the service allows background playback of podcasts and offers a dedicated podcast app within the YouTube ecosystem.
Do I get a discount if I already have a Google One plan?
Google One members can often get discounts on YouTube Premium; verify in your Google One subscription settings.
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Comparison Audit Summary
This dynamic audit side-by-side report for Google Play Music vs YouTube Premium has been automatically generated using our proprietary AI model. The ratings, features, and final verdict represent an aggregate evaluation across official documentation, technical benchmarks, and market feedback as of June 2026.
