YouTube Music and Premium has surpassed 100 million global users. This was announced by the online streaming platform in a statement that was seen by Technext. Describing it as a significant achievement in its digital streaming service, the company said the numbers included its Premium services as well as those still in trial.
The streaming service said the milestone underscores its enduring appeal and the comprehensive entertainment experience it offers to a global audience, including the vibrant and diverse user base in Nigeria.
Speaking on the development, Vice President of Product Management at YouTube, Adam Smith recounted the company’s history noting that the service was established back in 2015 because there was an appetite for a YouTube experience that benefited not only users but the creator and artist community as well.
“We announced a new subscription service alongside a brand new app, YouTube Music. This offering was designed for music lovers and YouTube fans who wanted more choice in how they spent time on YouTube, allowing them to enjoy YouTube without interruptions, background play and downloads, and a full music service with the world’s largest catalogue. Along the way, we learned a lot, made a few pivots (and even rebranded), expanded our offerings and plans, and made YouTube Music and Premium available in over 100 countries and regions,” he said.
The VP also said that through it all, the company has remained focused on delivering a best-in-class experience to its global YouTube community. He revealed that in the past year alone they had enhanced the Premium playback experience including adding the ability to continue watching YouTube across different devices like smart TVs and tablets while also introducing an enhanced version of 1080p HD.
“We also experimented with new generative AI features that Premium users were among the first to try. And for listeners, we introduced the Samples tab, a lightning-fast way to discover new music, a completely customised radio building experience, and brought podcasts to YouTube Music,” he said.
YouTube Music boasts a vibrant community of creators and artists
Beyond features, the VP also noted that what truly makes viewers and listeners keep choosing YouTube is the incredible content from creators and artists. As such it is important that YouTube Premium maintains a thriving creator and artist community and provides them with an additional source of revenue from subscriptions.
Highlighting the importance of local engagement, the Head of Music for Africa at YouTube, Addy Awofisayo while sharing insights into the platform’s impact in Nigeria said: “The success of YouTube Music and Premium extends deeply into Nigeria, where music and content creators have found a global stage for their talent.”
Awofisayo also said that the platform has not only facilitated unparalleled access to a world of music and content but has also played a pivotal role in the growth of the Nigerian music industry by providing artists with valuable exposure and revenue streams.
“This milestone celebrates not just our global achievements but the individual stories of creators and artists in Nigeria who contribute to our rich and diverse community,” Addy finished.
Launched in May 2005, YouTube is the world’s most popular online video community allowing billions of people to discover, watch and share videos. YouTube provides a forum for people to connect, inform and inspire others across the globe and acts as a distribution platform for original content creators and advertisers large and small.
YouTube Music was launched in 2015 and has since grown to become one of the more popular music streaming services in the world. Upon hitting 100 million subscribers, the company said: “From small beginnings to a community of 100M across more than 100 countries, we’re grateful to our subscribers for their support.”
See also: YouTube to compensate artists and rightsholders for AI-generated music
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