Google currently has two music streaming services running, but that's about to change. The company has confirmed the official YouTube Google Play Music blog will shut down by the end of 2020. Instead, Google will focus entirely on YouTube Music.
This is a decision that makes sense for Google. There is no need to use two different streaming services. YouTube Music comes bundled with YouTube Premium, making it the most logical service to keep alive.
Google is gradually killing off Play Music in different parts of the world.
First, Google will highlight the service in New Zealand and South Africa from September. The rest of the world won't have access to Play Music for very long, as Google will remove it in October in all other countries. This means that all streaming features will disappear and Google Play Music will no longer work.
Fortunately, the music libraries will remain in place until December. This gives users more time to transfer their collection from Google Play Music to YouTube Music. This means that playlists, downloads, purchases, likes, and other features will still be available until the end of 2020. After that, Google will remove everything. Users who wish to stick with Google for music streaming need not procrastinate too long.
AdvertisementAs part of this shutdown, starting in August, users will no longer be able to purchase and pre-order music, or upload and download music from Play Music through Music Manager.
Phasing out such a beloved product as Google Play Music isn't easy, but it looks like Google is making the process as painless as possible. The company has tools that make switching easier, as it obviously hopes to keep users in the Google system.
If you are a Google Play Music user and want to make the switch, here is how to migrate from Google Play Music to YouTube Music.
