YouTube Music, which evolved from Google Play Music a number of years ago, has continued to improve over time. We’ve seen new interfaces and better integration into smart homes and Android Auto, and now we’re seeing the mobile app becoming more user-friendly.
The latest addition to the feature set is the Samples tab, a place for users to explore more recommended content. The setup is simple; it’s a new tab at the bottom of the app labelled “samples”. As soon as you tap it, your device will load a stream of music-based clips that are 20 – 30 seconds in length.
This is a recognition that music is such an integral part of our lives these days, with services like YouTube Music allowing us not just to have music as our soundtrack but to choose our life soundtrack. Time with your kids at the local park, your daily commute (via foot, bike, public transport or car), relaxing at home or smashing a set at the gym; it’s always there.
During the press briefing, it was noted that YouTube has also recognised that shorts and other short-form videos have become a way for the younger generation to discover music. I love the fact that with that statement, I’ve been called young by Google! 😀
Starting today, we’re introducing the Samples tab, a seamless feed of short-form video segments to get you to your new favourite music. Powered by the world’s largest catalogue of music videos, this personalized feed will explore the depths and breadth of the YouTube Music library so that there’s always something new to listen to, whether it’s the latest release from an up-and-coming artist or a deep cut from a legacy artist we just think you’d really like. Each immersive clip offers a glimpse into the artist, the video, and the feel of the song. Users can simply swipe vertically to experience a new song, making music discovery fun and effortless.
We confirmed that the recommendations are based on your existing YouTube and music listening habits; this isn’t a fresh start algorithm. So Samples is a great starting point if you’re looking to broaden or diversify your listening habits. The 20 – 30-second clips are specifically intended to be the most interesting sections of the clip. This is to give you the vibe of the song and the artist, to capture you with the vibe or allow you to move on quickly.
If the vibe does capture your attention, simply tapping the metadata of the song goes straight to the artist link within YouTube Music. You’re then right there to subscribe to the artist, like a song or explore their song and album catalogues. This is one of my personal favourite ways to discover music, simply starting radio from a single song and letting YouTube Music take me down the rabbit hole.
The other fantastic opportunity here is for artists to be discovered by a wider audience and it’s largely an automated process. Provided the artist is on YouTube Music, has videos (they don’t even need to be official music videos) on YouTube or is used in videos, then there’s a chance of hitting ears that will appreciate them.
The Samples tab is rolling out today to users worldwide, and I’ll be smashing some fresh tunes for the foreseeable future.
