In the music streaming war, Google has an upper hand over the competition thanks to its upload feature. If you are a user of the OG Play Music, then you know how big of a deal is to have that functionality. However, when Youtube Music surfaced, fans were disappointed by the lack of upload-ability. It took like long for sure, but now that it’s finally here, let’s find out how it works.
In this article, you’ll learn how to store your favorite music collection to the YT Music repository. Moreover, you’ll know the basic differences between the Upload option on both platforms.
Prerequisites:
- A computer with an internet connection
Notably, the songs can be uploaded only via a computer. So no, it won’t work from the app.
- These are the supported file formats for uploads: FLAC, M4A, MP3, OGG, and WMA. Currently, it doesn’t support M4Ps or DRM-protected AAC music files.
- Ensure, your Youtube account is personal and not a brand one. Know more about it here.
Steps to upload into YouTube Music
- Go to music.youtube.com.
- You can upload by simply dragging your file(s) to any surface on this website or else click on your profile picture and in the overlay menu that appears, you’ll see the Upload music solution.
3. Tapping it opens the file manager and now all you gotta do is to choose the files from the saved location and click on Open.
4. If it’s your first time uploading, you will get a pop up that basically asks you to accept the Terms and Conditions.
5. You will see a progress bar and a subsequent confirmation message for the upload status. Your uploaded music may take some time to show up in your catalogue (but not necessarily), even after it has been successfully uploaded.
6. Once uploaded, the songs will be listed in the Library tab on both web interface and mobile app (Library>Songs/Album> Uploads). In case you’re wondering, yes, the songs will bear the associated metadata and album art.
So far, if it sailed well, great! And most probably, your purpose is pretty much covered.
Google specifically highlights that it is not migrating Play Music libraries at the moment. It states –
“If you are looking to transfer your entire Google Play Music library, stay tuned – we will be providing a way to seamlessly transfer your music. Nothing is changing with Google Play Music right now. When we do replace Google Play Music with YouTube Music, we’ll be sure to give you plenty of advance notice.”
This cloud library is available “even if you are not currently a YouTube Music Premium subscriber,” with playback ad-free and available offline. Content can also be Cast and played on smart speakers. This feature is not yet live on several accounts we checked this afternoon.
Difference between Youtube Music and Google Play Music (YT Music vs GPM)
| Platforms | Youtube Music | Google Play Music |
| Supported File Formats | FLAC, M4A, MP3, OGG, and WMA | MP3, AAC, WMA, FLAC, OGG, DRM protected AAC (.m4p), and ALAC (.m4a) |
| Upload Medium | You can upload only via music.youtube.com | Web, Desktop helper client and a Chrome app |
| Upload via the Mobile app | No | No |
| Multi-party Access | Other users will not have access to your uploaded music, even if your shared playlist consists of those songs. | |
| Number of connected devices | No limit (AFAIK) | 10 active |
| Max upload limit | 100,000 for all | 50,000 (100,000 for some users) |
| Download files in the cloud | No | Yes |
| Accessing Uploaded files | Isolated from streaming music under a dedicated UPLOADS section. | Mixed with the streaming music, albeit with a prioritized sorting |
| Editing Metadata | Not Possible | Possible |
| 3rd party app integration | Doesn’t work with Google Assistant and Home voice command | Integration is there |
| Android Auto support | Better interface | Limited Interface |
| Price | The upload function is available with Free edition. Still, here is the premium subscription price –
|
The upload function is available with Free edition. Still, here is the premium subscription price –
GPM subscription: Rs. 99 per month |
