YouTube Music is expanding its offerings by introducing offline downloads for its web app. Previously, this feature was exclusively available on mobile devices, including Android and iOS. Now, it’s being rolled out to the web platform, enhancing the user experience.
According to a recent report by 9to5Google, Google has been testing offline downloads for its music streaming service on the web app. While the feature has been in testing for some time, a wider rollout has been observed recently. Users are now beginning to see a message next to the Library tab, indicating the new capability to download music for offline listening. Although the feature may not be visible to everyone yet, some users have reportedly been greeted with a message beside their Library tab that reads: “New! Download music to listen offline.
To save music offline using YouTube Music’s web app, users can follow a simple step-by-step process:
Navigate to an album or single’s page.
Look for the download button located between the “Save to library” and three-dot overflow menu options.
Click on the download option to save the album or single.
Similar to the mobile app, downloaded content on the web will have its own “Downloads” tab within the user’s library. Convenient filters allow users to sort their downloads by playlists, podcasts, songs, or albums.
However, there are some important points to consider:
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Download Limit: Offline downloads on the web app will count towards YouTube Music’s 10-device download limit.
Expiration: Similar to the mobile app, downloaded content will expire if the device is not connected to the internet at least once every 30 days.
Interestingly, the new update brings long-awaited offline download functionality to the YouTube Music web app, particularly benefiting users who primarily access the service on desktops or laptops. It eliminates the need to rely solely on the mobile app for offline listening, enhancing convenience and accessibility.
However, some key points to consider exist. While YouTube Premium subscribers likely enjoy offline downloads for both music and podcasts, it remains unclear if this feature extends to non-subscribers for podcasts specifically.
Furthermore, this addition reflects Google’s ongoing commitment to improving YouTube Music. By expanding functionality beyond mobile, YouTube Music caters to a wider range of user needs, whether users are mobile or prefer desktops.Â
Additionally, the expansion of offline downloads aligns with Google’s decision to completely discontinue its podcast feature. Google Podcasts will be phased out on April 2, following the global rollout of podcasts in YouTube Music.
YouTube is investing in enhancing the podcast experience within YouTube Music, providing exclusive features for fans and podcasters. If you’re a Google Podcasts user, it’s advisable to migrate your data to YouTube Music or explore other podcast apps. Please note that this change currently applies only to users in the US.
