YouTube Music gets closer to Spotify with seamless multi-device music experience

YouTube Music is stepping up its game with a brand-new update that brings a long-requested feature to the platform. With version 8.26.51, users can now resume music playback between two devices, offering a smoother, more flexible listening experience. This functionality puts YouTube Music closer to its competitors like Spotify, which has long offered a similar feature.

YouTube Music users who pay for the YouTube Premium subscription will especially benefit from this addition. Whether you’re switching from your phone to your PC, or vice versa, the app now lets you continue listening to your favorite track from exactly where you left off. It may seem like a small tweak, but it brings a big usability win.

Cross-Device Music Resumption: How It Works

The new update allows users to start a song on one device, such as an Android phone, and resume it later on a PC without restarting the track. The track appears in the app’s Speed Dial section with a visible progress bar. Simply tap on it to continue playback from the same timestamp.

While this update is rolling out gradually, it’s a welcome feature that aligns YouTube Music with the standards set by its streaming peers. Unlike Spotify, YouTube Music doesn’t yet offer advanced cross-device control (like remote pause/play from a different device), but this new functionality is a step in that direction.

Improved Shuffle and Repeat Features

In addition to the cross-device resumption feature, YouTube Music has also tweaked its shuffle and repeat buttons to make them more noticeable. Previously, these buttons only became slightly bolder when active, often confusing users.

With the new design, a white dot appears underneath the shuffle and repeat icons to clearly indicate they are turned on. This change, though subtle, improves the overall usability of the Now Playing interface. However, the “repeat one” option remains unchanged in appearance.

These updates are part of the broader 8.26 update on Android, and while the shuffle/repeat redesign appears to be a server-side change, it’s being gradually rolled out to users worldwide.

More Personalization: Quick Start Radio & Releases For You

YouTube Music is also introducing more ways to customize the listening experience. The Home feed now features a “Make a quick start radio” card, allowing users to pick from eight suggested artists and immediately begin a new radio station.

In addition, when browsing an album page on Android, iOS, or web, users will now see a “Releases for You” section at the bottom. This gives personalized suggestions based on listening habits and preferences, making it easier to discover new music tailored to your taste.

The Bigger Picture: Why These Changes Matter

YouTube Music has often lagged behind competitors in terms of features, but with each update, it is gradually closing the gap. The resume feature between devices, better visual cues for shuffle/repeat, and improved personalization tools suggest that Google is serious about making YouTube Music a strong alternative to Spotify and Apple Music. Also Read: 9 Groundbreaking Safety Upgrades as Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Ertiga Get Six Airbags Standard Across India 

While it still lacks features like full remote control between devices, the introduction of resume playback is a major convenience for users who frequently switch between phone and desktop. It also makes the YouTube Premium subscription more attractive, especially as the company tries to bring in more users with its Lite and Family plans.

Interestingly, while adding new features, YouTube is also simplifying its content structure. The Trending and Trending Now sections are being phased out in favor of more curated and category-based music suggestions, reflecting changing user behavior and preferences.

Conclusion:

YouTube Music is becoming smarter and more user-friendly with each update. The ability to resume music between devices, alongside easier shuffle/repeat controls and personalized discovery, adds genuine value to the platform. While it’s not yet on par with Spotify in every aspect, the direction is clear: YouTube Music is evolving fast, and for users already in the Google ecosystem, it’s now a more compelling choice than ever.