YouTube Music has long maintained a relatively AI-free environment compared to its competitors, but that is changing with the introduction of a new feature through YouTube Labs. This innovative addition brings AI hosts into the music listening experience, reminiscent of Spotify’s AI DJ, which offers commentary and context between tracks. However, YouTube Music takes a different approach with two AI hosts engaging in conversation as part of a “radio show” titled Beyond the Beat.
The hosts delve into interesting tidbits about various tracks, such as the intentional grammatical quirks in Kelly Rowland’s “Commander” and the backstory behind Joel Corry and Tom Grennan’s “Lionheart (Fearless)”. They also share amusing anecdotes, like the misconception that Far East Movement’s “Rocketeers” was influenced by Justin Bieber, despite being produced earlier. A particularly nostalgic moment arose when one host reminisced about Craig David’s comeback hit, “Ain’t Giving Up.”
It’s not for everyone
While these insights can be easily found through a quick online search, they add a layer of engagement that many listeners may appreciate. For those who enjoy a seamless listening experience, however, the interruptions might feel unwelcome. Feedback on platforms like Reddit indicates a divide among users, with some questioning the necessity of such features and others expressing frustration over the inability to mute the hosts permanently. Comparisons to Spotify’s AI DJ suggest that the YouTube Music feature may not significantly enhance the overall experience.
Fortunately, the AI hosts only activate when users start a radio station or an auto-generated mix, allowing for a tailored listening experience that aligns with individual preferences. Although a permanent mute option is unavailable, users can temporarily snooze the feature for one hour or a day. Currently, this AI host feature is in testing and requires US-based subscribers to opt-in for access, ensuring that most users are not disrupted by the AI-generated commentary.
How to get started
For those interested in exploring this new feature, enabling YouTube Music’s AI hosts is a straightforward process. However, it is essential to note that this option is presently limited to US-based YouTube Music and Premium subscribers, with no clear timeline for a broader rollout to other regions.
YouTube Music ‘borrowed’ this divisive Spotify AI feature, and I don’t hate it
YouTube Music has long maintained a relatively AI-free environment compared to its competitors, but that is changing with the introduction of a new feature through YouTube Labs. This innovative addition brings AI hosts into the music listening experience, reminiscent of Spotify’s AI DJ, which offers commentary and context between tracks. However, YouTube Music takes a different approach with two AI hosts engaging in conversation as part of a “radio show” titled Beyond the Beat.
The hosts delve into interesting tidbits about various tracks, such as the intentional grammatical quirks in Kelly Rowland’s “Commander” and the backstory behind Joel Corry and Tom Grennan’s “Lionheart (Fearless)”. They also share amusing anecdotes, like the misconception that Far East Movement’s “Rocketeers” was influenced by Justin Bieber, despite being produced earlier. A particularly nostalgic moment arose when one host reminisced about Craig David’s comeback hit, “Ain’t Giving Up.”
It’s not for everyone
While these insights can be easily found through a quick online search, they add a layer of engagement that many listeners may appreciate. For those who enjoy a seamless listening experience, however, the interruptions might feel unwelcome. Feedback on platforms like Reddit indicates a divide among users, with some questioning the necessity of such features and others expressing frustration over the inability to mute the hosts permanently. Comparisons to Spotify’s AI DJ suggest that the YouTube Music feature may not significantly enhance the overall experience.
Fortunately, the AI hosts only activate when users start a radio station or an auto-generated mix, allowing for a tailored listening experience that aligns with individual preferences. Although a permanent mute option is unavailable, users can temporarily snooze the feature for one hour or a day. Currently, this AI host feature is in testing and requires US-based subscribers to opt-in for access, ensuring that most users are not disrupted by the AI-generated commentary.
How to get started
For those interested in exploring this new feature, enabling YouTube Music’s AI hosts is a straightforward process. However, it is essential to note that this option is presently limited to US-based YouTube Music and Premium subscribers, with no clear timeline for a broader rollout to other regions.