YouTube Music, YouTube Premium now available for Indian users

Google on Tuesday launched its YouTube Music platform in India. The latest music streaming application is available on Google Play Store and Apple's App Store. Google's latest music service comes shortly after Spotify rolled out its service in India.

Users can also subscribe to YouTube Music Premium for an ad-free experience and additional features such as background play support for audio and video content, offline download, and access to all YouTube Originals such as Cobra Kai and BTS: Burn The Stage.

The paid version will be part of Google's new YouTube Premium service which is available for ₹129 a month. There's also a family membership plan. Just the YouTube Music Premium is available at a starting rental of ₹99. Paid subscribers get 3 months free access to YouTube Music Premium as part of an introductory offer. In comparison, Spotify is available for ₹119 a month along with free 30-days trial.

The YouTube Music Premium will also be available to Google Play Music subscribers as part of their subscription each month. Subscribers of Play Music will continue to have access their purchased music, uploads and playlists.

"YouTube is at the heart of India's music culture -- from classics like Tujhe Dekha Toh, to global sensations like Kolaveri Di, to recent rap song Apna Time ayega, and landmark videos like "Despacito", "Lahore", "Rangamma Mangamma", more than 1 billion music fans come to YouTube each month to listen to hot favourites, and discover new music. It's also where over 2 million artists come to share their voices and art with the world," said Google in a release.

YouTube Music: How to download and get started

Android users can download Google's new music streaming app from Play Store while Apple iPhone users can download from App Store.

After downloading and installing, Google will ask you to sign in with an email ID. The home screen welcomes you with "recommended music videos", "live performances" and other categories.

To personalise the experience, Google asks you to pick some artists you like - similar to how you personalise the experience on Spotify, JioSaavn or any other top music streaming application.

If you've turned on location, YouTube Music says it will show playlists "inspired by where you are." You can however change this in Settings anytime you want.

ALSO READ: 5 things you need to know about Spotify India

YouTube Music: Top features

Just like Netflix and other streaming players, YouTube has started building a catalogue of 'originals'. Recently, it collaborated with AR Rahman for a new show, 'ARRived.'

Apart from Originals, YouTube Music subscribers get access to official songs, singles, live performances, and remixes.

The Hotlist section shows you the latest and trending content. Google claims the application has thousands of playlists across genre, mood, and activity.

YouTube Music also offers content in select Indian languages including Bhojpuri and Marathi.

Just like Apple Music, you can also play music saved on your device in the YouTube Music app.

Smart search allows users to look up song which they can't remember what it's called. For instance, you can search for "that rap song with flute". You can also look up music by lyrics even if they're wrong. There's also the voice search option.