YouTube Music Introduces Live Sound Search Tool in the US

YouTube Music has launched a new feature called Sound Search, allowing users to find songs by humming or singing them. Initially rolling out to premium users in the US, this feature aims to enhance music discovery by leveraging a vast catalog of over 100 million songs.

Rollout Details and Availability

According to reports from source, the Sound Search feature in YouTube Music was briefly accessible to some users earlier this year before a wider rollout. Now available to all YouTube Music Premium subscribers in the US on both iOS and Android platforms, the feature enhances the search experience significantly.

How to Use the Sound Search Feature

To use the Sound Search tool, users need to access the search section by tapping on the magnifying glass icon at the top right corner of the app. From there, tapping on the 'waveform' icon allows users to hum, sing, or play the song they want to search for. The app then identifies the song and displays detailed information such as cover art, song name, artist, album, year, and download options.

User Experience and Functionality

While the exact reliability and speed of song recognition by the Sound Search feature haven't been universally tested, initial reports suggest a robust system capable of accurately identifying songs based on user input. This feature is expected to streamline the music discovery process for users who may not remember song titles but can hum or sing a tune.

Additional AI-Driven Features

YouTube Music is also developing an AI-generated conversational radio feature for Premium users in the US. This feature allows users to create custom radio stations by describing the type of music they want to hear. By tapping on the "Ask for music any way you like" card in the Home feed, users can access this personalized radio experience.

Future Plans and Global Expansion

As of now, there's no specific timeline for when the Sound Search feature will expand beyond the US, including to regions like India. However, given its positive reception among users, YouTube Music may consider rolling out this feature globally in the future.

Conclusion

With the introduction of the Sound Search tool and ongoing development of AI-driven features like conversational radio, YouTube Music continues to innovate in the music streaming space. These enhancements not only cater to user preferences for intuitive music discovery but also highlight YouTube's commitment to leveraging AI for a personalized music experience.

This structured approach provides a comprehensive overview of YouTube Music's new Sound Search feature, its functionality, rollout details, and potential impact on user engagement and music discovery.