YouTube Music
YouTube Music
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that YouTube Music is a mobile version of the social media channel focused entirely on music. Though many of the videos are harmless, the level of sex, violence, language, smoking, and drinking contained in others is much too intense for young kids and some teens. Unlike YouTube proper, there's safety mode, so kids can search for and find whatever they want. Users get a free trial of the commercial-free YouTube Red, but when that expires they'll either have to pay to continue that service or deal with commercials before select videos and songs. YouTube Music falls under the general Google privacy policy. To find out about the types of information collected and shared, read it here.
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What’s It About?
With YOUTUBE MUSIC users can listen to audio selections and watch videos from their favorite artists. The app automatically uses any existing Google accounts on your device to log you in. Once you get going, it creates a daily playlist for you called "My Mix," which combines liked and listened-to tracks as well as songs it believes you'll enjoy. You can also search for artists and music you love by name or category, download playlists to listen to offline, keep music on in the background while you're using other apps, and toggle to audio only. YouTube Red subscribers get all the features, while others will have to deal with commercials and limitations on use.
Is It Any Good?
With a deep, diverse catalogue of artists and videos, this music streamer is a definite contender; however, its interface could use a little streamlining. One cool feature is the ability to toggle between audio and video seamlessly with the video picking up exactly where the song is playing, and the inclusion of fan-shot videos of live performances gives the service something its competitors can't offer. Also, videos can be "cast" to your TV using Google Chrome. That said, there's a lot going on here, and the app sometimes stumbles over itself. The user interface could use some refinement to make it more intuitive: An introductory tutorial (beyond the pop-up hints) would help. A parent's biggest concern will be the content of the music and videos, since there are no filters or a safety mode, but if your kids already have Google accounts and are allowed on YouTube, they already have access to iffy content. Parents can access recent searches and videos viewed in settings, and checking out videos by your kids' favorite artists will give you an idea of what's available.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about your rules around music and videos. What's allowed and what's not? Check out our guide to YouTube to get tips on how to manage your teen's use.
Talk about the imagery in videos and what it represents. Ask teens what they think certain lyrics or images mean.
Discuss your teen's favorite music. What do they love, and why?
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
- Pricing structure: Free
- Release date: November 12, 2015
- Category: Music
- Topics: Music and Sing-Along
- Publisher: Google Inc
- Version: 1.3
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 7.0 or higher; Android 4.0.3 and up
- Last updated: July 27, 2016
Our Editors Recommend
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iHeartRadio
Hear live radio or custom stations; iffy lyrics possible.
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Pandora - Free Music & Radio
Popular Internet radio app great for discovering new music.
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