Google s long-awaited YouTube music subscription service is finally taking shape, according to reports from Android Police.
The blog reported Monday that Google is preparing to launch a service called YouTube Music Key and rebrand its Google Play Music All Access as Google Play Music Key to match. YouTube Music Key will give users music without ads, audio-only playback and offline playback. What may set it apart from the pack of streaming services is YouTube s vast library of concert footage, covers and remixes, giving devoted fans much more than their favorite artists official discographies, according to Android Police. CNET summed up the offering as Spotify with videos.
After a free 30-day trial, users will be able to subscribe to YouTube Music Key and Google Play Music Key for $9.99 per month, Android Police reported. To pave the way for the services, Google has acquired more than 20 million tracks and staked out the domain name YouTubeMusicKey.com, according to the blog.
Google has long been expected to jump into the music streaming business, but its plans were reportedly held up by tense negotiations with music labels. The company drew fire from music fans after news broke that some independent artists who did not accept the terms of the service would see their videos blocked from YouTube proper.
Android Police offered no hints as to when Google will roll out the services.
Google is reportedly preparing to launch a YouTube music subscription service. (Eric Piermont/AFP/Getty Images)
