YouTube is going to merge with Google to create a new streaming service, as confirmed by Lyor Cohen, the company’s head of music. At the New Music Seminar conference in New York, Cohen stated that the two services, YouTube Red and Google Play Music, are to join hands soon.
The merging aims at bringing in new subscribers while also helping educate consumers. Though it is unlikely that the two apps will merge, the combination aims at “having one offering.”
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YouTube’s Major Services
Presently, the company’s music ecosystem has a pretty complicated makeover. The service allows users to save videos offline and removes the ads. It also gives you free access to Google Play Music. On the other hand, YouTube Music is globally available, and users can get the most out of it after signing up for YouTube Red. As for YouTube, TV, is entirely different and is yet to be available globally.
The Merge
The previous few months saw the industry being blown with rumors regarding the merging. Recently, it got to a new height after Google brought the teams together earlier in 2017. Although the timeframe of the merging initiative isn’t specifically revealed yet, considering all factors, it is clear that things are going to happen soon.
Google’s Statement
A statement from Google regarding the merge reveals that the company is working to develop services on its music offerings for ‘users, music partners, and artists.’ Consumers will be notified regarding any change before it happens.
Cohen’s Quote
Cohen expressed his wantonness in working more directly with rights holders and music labels. According to him, “the missing piece on building these businesses is collaborating with the [music] industry, and not just making deals and going away and seeing how it works.”
Promising merging of YouTube and Google
There are certain factors in which the rebranded service will not affect a big change. For one, subscription payment to either Google Play Music or YouTube Red provides you with the other for free. However, the merging is quite sensible, as it promises simplified and compelling offerings to consumers. One might easily wonder why it hasn’t yet happened!
