Google Play Music has officially been discontinued, with YouTube Music taking its place since December 2020. As a music enthusiast who's guided countless users through this transition, I've outlined the process below to ensure you preserve your library, playlists, and subscriptions effortlessly.
If you have a Google Play Music account, transferring your playlists, purchases, and library to YouTube Music is straightforward. Without action, you'll lose access after the shutdown.
Google streamlined the process for a seamless switch. Start by visiting the YouTube Music Transfer Tool and signing in with your Google account linked to Play Music. Click "Transfer," and the automation handles the rest.
Alternatively, from the YouTube Music app or site, tap your profile icon, navigate to Settings > Transfer > Transfer from Google Play Music. The process begins immediately.
Transfer time varies by library size—expect several hours. You'll receive a notification upon completion, with your content appearing in the Library or Playlists tab.
The transfer includes everything essential:
Existing subscriptions convert to YouTube Music Premium or YouTube Premium at the same price, except in regions like Croatia and Serbia due to currency changes.
YouTube Music mirrors many Play Music features but integrates deeply with YouTube's ecosystem, using your video history for personalized recommendations. It's pre-installed on Android since 2019 and offers music videos—unavailable in Play Music.
Key 2020 updates include collaborative playlists, a redesigned player, an Explore tab for new releases, and integration with Android TV, Google Maps, and Assistant.
Subscriptions bundle with YouTube Premium for video perks.
Yes—unlike Play Music's limited free tier, YouTube Music offers ad-supported streaming worldwide. Premium ($9.99/month) adds ad-free listening, background play, and offline downloads.
Google revoked Play Music access post-2020 and canceled non-transferred subscriptions automatically to avoid charges. You can manually cancel anytime.
If YouTube Music isn't for you, consider Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal for hi-fi audio, or Amazon Music.
