Alexa is a product of Amazon. It performs many functions using simple voice commands, like playing music, turning off the TV, or purchasing something online. It made life relatively more accessible because it reduced our efficiency.
But, there have been reports that Amazon Echo does not directly support YouTube Music.
Imagine that you‘re relaxing at home and want to listen to YouTube Music. You turn to your Alexa device and ask it to play your playlist, but instead of playing it, Alexa gives you a message saying it can‘t access YouTube Music. Disappointed?
Don‘t worry; this article will explain why this happens and, more importantly, how you can still listen to YouTube Music on your Alexa device using a simple trick!
Reason Behind YouTube Music’s Absence On Alexa
Alexa can’t play YouTube music anymore, and the following can be the reason behind YouTube Music‘s incompatibility with Alexa:
Amazon Vs Google
It is well–known to everyone that Amazon and Google are competitors. Amazon also competes with Bing and Google by introducing its search engine, A9. They compete on many famous platforms, such as E-commerce, cloud computing, leadership, and speakers.
“Both Amazon (with Echo) and Google (with Nest) compete in the smart speaker market. These devices allow users to play music, control smart home devices, and potentially, make purchases with voice commands.”
By Gemini, Google AI Tool
Path-Way To Competitor
By allowing YouTube Music to be on Alexa, Amazon knew they had provided users a pathway to their competitors. They are justified in thinking so because both Google and Amazon invested heavily in providing their users with the best sound they can. So, they must show their music to recover from the investment.
Future Remarks
As YouTube Music is incompatible with Alexa, it does not mean that the situation will always remain the same. There is a high chance that Amazon will allow YouTube Music in the future. There have been incidents like this.
For Example, Before 2019, Amazon users could not watch YouTube on Amazon Fire TV, but in 2019, both Google and Amazon agreed to bring the YouTube app back to Amazon TV.
“Google & Amazon reach an agreement to bring their streaming video apps to each others’ platforms.”
TechCrunch, Domain Authority #70 by SEMRUSH.
So, it can be expected that Alexa and YouTube Music will also be synced in the future.
Methods To Listen to YouTube Music On Alexa
Following are some simple methods to hear your favorite playlist on YouTube through Alexa:
By Bluetooth Method:
Almost Every phone has built–in Bluetooth features. Alexa also has this built–in feature, making it accessible through devices like TV, mobile, and PC. The following steps shall be followed to connect to Alexa via Bluetooth:
Step 1: Turning Alexa’s Bluetooth On
First, Make sure that your Alexa is connected to the internet so you can perform voice commands.
Turn On Alexa‘s Bluetooth by saying, “Alexa, Pair Bluetooth.”
Step 2: Turning the Phone’s Bluetooth On
On your mobile phone or computer, Navigate to Settings Menu.
Find Bluetooth settings and turn on the Bluetooth.
Step 3: Pair With Alexa
In the Bluetooth menu, select your Alexa Device and request pairing.
Step 4: Confirm Pairing on Alexa
After requesting pairing from mobile, accept it on the Alexa app or through voice command.
Step 5: Open YouTube Music App
After a successful Bluetooth connection, open the YouTube Music app on your mobile, and BOOM!! You can hear your favorite playlist now.
Music Services provided by Alexa
Most people think that if YouTube Music isn’t working, what music services work with Alexa besides Amazon Music?
Well, the answer is simple: Alexa does support other music services that we will briefly explain here:
Amazon’s Native Services:
Amazon native services are the services provided by Amazon; these services are Alexa–friendly.
- Amazon Music includes music you‘ve purchased from Amazon or uploaded to your Amazon account.
- Prime Music includes Amazon Prime memberships, offering millions of ad–free songs.
- Amazon Music Unlimited: This subscription service offers a massive library of music (over 90 million songs) on–demand and ad–free, with different subscription plans available.
Third-Party Services:
Alexa supports the following third–party services:
- Spotify: A popular option, though free users, will have limited functionality, such as ads and shuffled playback. Paid subscriptions offer ad–free listening and on–demand control.
- Apple Music: Apple users can link their accounts to access their Apple Music library on Alexa devices.
- Deezer: Another subscription–based service with an extensive music library.
- Pandora: A free, personalized radio service with on–demand options available through paid subscriptions.
- iHeartRadio: Offers free live radio stations and personalized music stations. Paid subscriptions provide ad–free listening and on–demand access.
- Tidal: A high–fidelity music streaming service focusing on lossless audio quality (requires a subscription).
- Sirius XM: Satellite radio service accessible through Alexa with a separate Sirius XM subscription.
Additional Notes:
- You can set a default music service in the Alexa app, which Alexa will prioritize when you ask for music.
- Not all features of each service may be available through Alexa.
- Some services might require a paid subscription to access all functionalities on Alexa devices.
Conclusion:
Just because Alexa does Not Support YouTube music, do not let it lighten your spirits! Despite the competition between Amazon and Google, there are methods that can help you to enjoy your favorite music seamlessly.
By utilizing the power of Bluetooth connectivity, you can effortlessly stream your beloved playlists from YouTube Music directly to your Alexa–enabled devices.
In summary, while the competition between two well–known companies can be a hurdle, innovative solutions like Bluetooth allow you to enjoy the music you love without limitations.
So, why wait? Take charge of your listening experience today and let the harmony between Alexa and YouTube Music elevate your daily routines. Embrace the possibilities, and let the music play!
FAQs: Why Does Alexa Not Support Youtube Music?
Why can’t I directly play YouTube Music on my Alexa device?
The inability to directly play YouTube Music on Alexa devices is primarily due to the competition between Amazon and Google. Both companies have music streaming services and are reluctant to integrate each other‘s services seamlessly. Therefore, YouTube Music is not natively supported on Alexa devices.
Is there a workaround to listen to YouTube Music on Alexa?
Yes, there is a workaround. You can pair the Bluetooth connectivity feature on your Alexa device with your smartphone or computer. Once paired, you can play YouTube Music and stream it to your Alexa device via Bluetooth. This method allows you to enjoy your favourite playlists from YouTube Music on your Alexa speaker.
Will YouTube Music ever be officially supported on Alexa devices in the future?
While there are no guarantees, there is a possibility that YouTube Music may be officially supported on Alexa devices in the future. Companies like Amazon and Google have a history of resolving disputes and reaching agreements that benefit their users. For example, they previously agreed to bring YouTube back to Amazon Fire TV. Therefore, it’s conceivable that they may collaborate to integrate YouTube Music with Alexa devices, although no specific timeline can be provided.