Spotify Vs. YouTube Music are two of the most popular music streaming services globally, each offering unique features tailored to different types of users. While Spotify excels in AI-driven music discovery, podcasts, and seamless device integration, YouTube Music stands out with its massive collection of official tracks, music videos, and user-uploaded content. Below is a detailed comparison of both platforms based on music library, features, pricing, and overall user experience.
1. Music Library and Content Availability
📌 Spotify:
- Spotify offers over 100 million songs, covering international, Bollywood, regional, and indie music.
- It also has a huge podcast collection, including exclusive Spotify Originals.
- Music discovery is a strong point with AI-powered playlists like Discover Weekly, Daily Mix, and Release Radar.
📌 YouTube Music:
- YouTube Music has a vast collection of official songs, remixes, live performances, and user-generated content.
- It allows users to watch music videos, which Spotify does not support.
- You can also find rare, unofficial, and old songs that are unavailable on other streaming platforms.
Winner: YouTube Music has a broader library due to its user-uploaded content, but Spotify wins in organized music discovery and exclusive podcasts.
2. User Interface and Experience
📌 Spotify:
- Sleek, modern, and intuitive interface.
- Smart AI-driven recommendations with personalized playlists.
- Cross-device syncing (mobile, PC, smart speakers, car, etc.).
📌 YouTube Music:
- Similar design to the YouTube app, with easy navigation.
- Allows switching between audio and video mode.
- AI recommendations based on YouTube search/watch history.
Winner: Spotify offers a better user experience for music streaming, while YouTube Music is great for video lovers.
3. Subscription Plans and Pricing
📌 Spotify:
- Free plan (with ads, limited skips, lower audio quality).
- Premium Individual – ₹119/month.
- Premium Duo – ₹149/month (for two accounts).
- Premium Family – ₹179/month (up to six members).
- Student Plan – ₹59/month.
📌 YouTube Music:
- Free plan (with ads, no background play).
- YouTube Music Premium – ₹99/month.
- YouTube Premium – ₹129/month (includes YouTube Music Premium + ad-free YouTube).
Winner: YouTube Music Premium is slightly cheaper, and YouTube Premium offers extra benefits.
4. Audio Quality and Streaming Options
📌 Spotify:
- Free users: up to 160kbps.
- Premium users: up to 320kbps.
📌 YouTube Music:
- Free users: up to 128kbps.
- Premium users: up to 256kbps.
Winner: Spotify offers better audio quality for Premium users.
5. Offline Downloads and Background Play
📌 Spotify:
- Premium users can download songs and podcasts for offline listening.
- Free users cannot download songs.
📌 YouTube Music:
- Premium users can download music and videos for offline listening.
- Free users cannot play music in the background (app must stay open).
Winner: Spotify for offline playback, but YouTube Music Premium is great for video lovers.
6. Podcasts and Exclusive Features
📌 Spotify:
- Huge podcast library, including Spotify Originals.
- Curated playlists, AI-driven recommendations, and artist radio stations.
📌 YouTube Music:
- No dedicated podcast section, but users can find podcasts uploaded as videos.
- Best for rare, live, and user-generated content.
Winner: Spotify is better for podcasts, while YouTube Music is great for unique and unofficial content.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
- ✔ Choose Spotify if you want better music discovery, AI-driven playlists, high-quality audio, and podcasts.
- ✔ Choose YouTube Music if you love music videos, rare songs, remixes, and a cheaper premium plan.