Google’s YouTube video site is reportedly planning on launching its own subscription music service, which would put it in direct competition with Spotify. YouTube’s service, however, would include a video component.
According to a Billboard report, the service will have a free version and a paid premium edition that will let users build a playlist to listen to offline and will cut out ads. Billboard’s sources say that the service would have a large catalog, similar to Google’s All Access subscription service.
The focus for the new service is mobile use and it will give Google a music video subscription service to pair with future products, like Google Glass.
YouTube wouldn’t comment on the service and it’s not clear when it would launch. However, it could be out before Beats Music, which isn’t expected until later this year. However, sources for Billboard say that Beats Music may be pushed back until 2014.
“We’re always working on new and better ways for people to enjoy YouTube content across all screens, and on giving partners more opportunities to reach their fans,” YouTube told Billboard. "However, we have nothing to announce at this time."
YouTube already has a key role in promoting artists today and the service has launched its own music awards show. The ceremony will be streamed live from New York on Nov. 3.
This news comes as Twitter has reportedly been forced to kill its own music app, which only launched in April. Earlier this week, AllThingsD reported that the #Music service just hasn’t taken off.
image: YouTube