YouTube to launch its own version of Spotify? Rumours circulate that a music streaming service will be launched this year
YouTube is developing its own music streaming service, in a similar format to Spotify, which will be launched later this year, according to a report from Fortune.
Sources from YouTube-owner Google have said the music service would have its own negotiating team and operating unit, but would also "have some overlap with new features also rumoured to be coming to Google's Android music platform, Google Play".
According to the report, YouTube's service would enable anyone to stream music for free and would be supported by advertising, but, similar to Spotify, a subscription-based model is being considered to allow customers to "unlock additional features".
This, however, is still under discussion as how much content should be given away for free by streaming services, particularly in terms of access on mobile devices, is a concern for the music industry.
A YouTube spokesperson has not confirmed or denied the reports, instead stating: "While we don't comment on rumour or speculation, there are some content creators that think they would benefit from a subscription revenue stream in addition to ads, so we're looking at that.”
The Fortune report went on to detail that Warner Music has already signed up to work with the service.