Music streaming has become an essential part of daily life, and with so many options available, it’s hard to choose just one platform. One of the most popular services in the streaming world is YouTube Music. Known for its vast collection of songs, albums, live performances, remixes, and music videos, YouTube Music has won the hearts of millions of music lovers around the world. While the platform has mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices, many users want to access YouTube Music on their desktop for a more robust experience with larger screens, enhanced sound systems, and better multitasking capabilities. This article will dive deep into how you can use youtube music for desktop , what features it offers, and the best ways to enjoy the service on your computer.
What is YouTube Music?
Launched by Google in 2015, YouTube Music is a music streaming service that offers a wide variety of music content, including official tracks, music videos, remixes, live performances, covers, and even user-generated content. With its integration into the broader YouTube ecosystem, YouTube Music has a unique advantage by offering access to millions of songs, as well as videos, which you won’t find on other music streaming platforms.
YouTube Music is available in two tiers: the free version and YouTube Music Premium. The free version is ad-supported, and you must be connected to the internet to use it. Meanwhile, YouTube Music Premium offers an enhanced experience, including features like ad-free listening, offline listening, and background play (which allows music to continue playing while you switch to other apps or lock your device).
While YouTube Music is designed primarily for mobile devices, there are various ways to access it on a desktop, ensuring that you can enjoy the platform no matter where you are.
How to Access YouTube Music on Desktop
YouTube Music doesn’t offer a dedicated desktop app, but that doesn’t mean you can’t access it on your computer. There are multiple ways to enjoy YouTube Music on your desktop, from using the official website to employing Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) and third-party streaming applications. Let’s explore each method in detail.
1. Using the YouTube Music Website
The most straightforward way to access YouTube Music on desktop is by visiting the official website. This method requires no downloads or installations and can be used with any modern web browser. It provides the same core features as the mobile app, such as personalized playlists, music videos, and the ability to create your own custom playlists.
Here’s how to access YouTube Music on your desktop via the website:
- Open Your Browser:
Launch your favorite web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge. - Visit the YouTube Music Website:
In the address bar, type youtube music for desktop and press enter. This will take you directly to YouTube Music’s homepage. - Sign In with Your Google Account:
To enjoy a personalized experience, including access to your library, playlists, and recommendations, sign in with your Google account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one for free. - Start Browsing and Listening:
Once you’re signed in, you can browse songs, artists, albums, or playlists. YouTube Music will also provide personalized recommendations based on your listening history, so you can discover new music and stay up to date with your favorite tracks. - Create and Manage Playlists:
You can create custom playlists or add your favorite songs to existing ones. It’s also easy to organize your music to suit your personal preferences. - Watch Music Videos:
YouTube Music is deeply integrated with YouTube, which means you can watch music videos, live performances, and official content directly from the platform, without needing to visit the main YouTube site.
Although using the website is an easy and convenient option, it doesn’t offer the seamless app-like experience that some users may prefer.
2. Using YouTube Music Progressive Web App (PWA)
For a more native app-like experience without needing to install extra software, you can use the YouTube Music Progressive Web App (PWA). PWAs are designed to work seamlessly in modern web browsers while providing many of the benefits of native desktop apps, including better performance, offline capabilities (for YouTube Music Premium subscribers), and a more dedicated, app-like interface.
To install and use YouTube Music’s PWA on your desktop, follow these steps:
- Open Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge:
PWAs work best in Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, so open one of these browsers. - Visit the YouTube Music Website:
Go to youtube music for desktop . - Install the PWA:
Once the YouTube Music website is loaded, look for a small icon in the browser’s address bar, usually a “+” sign or a download icon. Click on this icon and select Install YouTube Music. This will install the YouTube Music PWA on your computer. - Launch YouTube Music:
After installation, you’ll find a YouTube Music shortcut on your desktop or in your application menu. You can now open the YouTube Music app directly from your desktop, and it will open in a standalone window that mimics the experience of a native app.
The PWA offers several advantages over using the website, such as faster load times, more efficient use of system resources, and the ability to keep the app open in its own window without the distractions of browser tabs.
3. Using Android Emulators to Run YouTube Music
For users who want to experience the mobile version of YouTube Music on their desktop, using an Android emulator is a viable option. An Android emulator allows you to run Android apps on your PC, effectively simulating an Android device. This can be especially useful if you prefer the mobile app’s interface and features.
Here’s how to use YouTube Music on your desktop through an Android emulator:
- Download an Android Emulator:
Popular Android emulators include BlueStacks, NoxPlayer, and LDPlayer. Download and install the emulator of your choice. - Set Up the Emulator:
After installation, open the emulator and sign in with your Google account. This allows you to access the Google Play Store. - Install YouTube Music:
Open the Play Store within the emulator, search for YouTube Music, and install the app as you would on an Android device. - Launch and Use YouTube Music:
Once installed, open the app and sign in with your Google account to access your playlists, songs, and recommendations. You can now use YouTube Music just as you would on your mobile phone, but with the added benefit of using your computer’s larger screen and better audio equipment.
Using an emulator is a great way to enjoy the full mobile experience on a desktop, but it can be resource-heavy, especially on older computers. Emulators can also introduce some lag, so ensure your PC meets the necessary system requirements for a smooth experience.
4. Third-Party Streaming Apps
Several third-party apps offer the ability to stream YouTube Music content on your desktop. For example, VLC Media Player and Audials can be configured to play YouTube Music videos. However, these apps don’t offer full integration with YouTube Music’s features, such as creating playlists or personalized recommendations. Instead, they focus on streaming YouTube content in general, including music videos.
While not the most seamless option, third-party apps can be useful for users who simply want to play YouTube Music videos without additional features.
Key Features of YouTube Music for Desktop
No matter how you choose to access YouTube Music on your desktop, the service offers several standout features:
1. Extensive Music Library
YouTube Music boasts a vast collection of songs, music videos, live performances, and remixes. It covers virtually every genre and gives users access to both popular tracks and niche content.
2. Music Videos
One of the main advantages of YouTube Music is its integration with the broader YouTube platform. You can easily switch between audio-only tracks and full music videos, live performances, or other video content.
3. Personalized Recommendations
YouTube Music provides tailored playlists and recommendations based on your listening history. This makes it easier to discover new artists and albums, ensuring you’re always in tune with the latest music trends.
4. Offline Listening (YouTube Music Premium)
If you’re a YouTube Music Premium subscriber, you can download your favorite tracks and playlists for offline listening. This is perfect for situations when you’re not connected to the internet or when you want to save data.
5. Ad-Free Listening (YouTube Music Premium)
With YouTube Music Premium, you can enjoy an ad-free experience while listening to your favorite tracks. This feature is especially beneficial for users who prefer uninterrupted music.
6. Background Play (YouTube Music Premium)
YouTube Music Premium also allows background play, which means your music can continue playing even when you switch tabs or minimize the app.
Conclusion
Even though YouTube Music doesn’t offer a dedicated desktop app, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the service on your PC. Whether through the website, the Progressive Web App (PWA), an Android emulator, or third-party streaming apps, YouTube Music offers an excellent listening experience on desktop computers.
With its vast music library, personalized recommendations, seamless integration with YouTube videos, and premium features like offline listening and ad-free playback, YouTube Music for desktop is a fantastic way to listen to music on a bigger screen with better audio equipment. Whether you’re using it for casual listening, discovering new artists, or watching music videos, YouTube Music is a powerful platform that can enhance your music experience on your desktop.
