What's Happening?
YouTube Music has implemented a new policy that limits the number of song lyrics views available to non-Premium account holders. This change follows Google's trend of moving more features behind its Premium subscription service. Users on the r/YoutubeMusic subreddit have reported receiving notifications that they have a limited number of views remaining for song lyrics, with a prompt to 'unlock lyrics with Premium' once the limit is reached. Initially, this feature was tested with a small group of users in September, but it has now been rolled out more broadly. The Premium subscription costs $11 per month in the U.S., or $14 as part of the YouTube Premium package, which also includes ad removal and background play for YouTube videos.
Why It's Important?
This development
is significant as it reflects Google's strategy to monetize its services by encouraging users to subscribe to its Premium offerings. By restricting access to song lyrics, a popular feature among music listeners, YouTube Music is likely aiming to increase its subscription base. This move could impact user satisfaction among those who rely on free services, potentially leading to a shift in user behavior or a search for alternative platforms. For Google, this could result in increased revenue from subscriptions, but it also risks alienating users who are unwilling or unable to pay for Premium services.
What's Next?
As this policy becomes more widely known, it is likely to provoke reactions from YouTube Music users, particularly those who are accustomed to accessing song lyrics for free. Google may face pressure to justify this change or offer alternative solutions for non-Premium users. Additionally, competitors in the music streaming industry may capitalize on this opportunity by highlighting their own free features to attract disaffected YouTube Music users. It remains to be seen whether Google will issue an official statement regarding this change, as it did with previous feature restrictions.
