Google understood to be testing new YouTube music streaming subscription service to take on Spotify
Google is understood to be developing a new mobile music subscription service through YouTube which could include allowing users to create playlists and see it rival music streaming sites such as Spotify.
The Drum has learned that the video content platform has begun testing the service, which would offer more functionality around its music content, and may also allow users to create a playlist of music videos – allowing them to listen to music without having to continually load new pages.
A spokesperson for Google told The Drum that the company was always looking at “new and better ways for people to enjoy YouTube across multiple devices” but added that it was not ready to announce anything at the present time.
In December, Spotify expanded its services with the launch of a free streaming service for mobile users.
The news comes as Google faces severe criticism from the music industry for failing to tackle internet piracy following a £362m decline in global music sales last year.