With this AI feature, YouTube Music users can look for any song in the platform’s 100 million catalogue just by sound.
Finding songs on YouTube Music is now easier with the rollout of a new AI feature that lets users search for songs by humming the tune or singing a few words.
Called ‘sound search’ or ‘hum to search,’ this feature can be accessed by tapping the search bar and clicking the waveform symbol. This brings up a screen where you can hum or play a beat of the song you’re looking for, according to a report by 9to5Google.
In May, YouTube Music’s AI song recognition feature was briefly available to select Android users before being rolled back. However, as of Monday, July 15, it has been officially launched for both Android and iOS users worldwide.
This feature is particularly useful for those who can’t recall the name or lyrics of a song but can hum or remember vague details.
Additionally, YouTube Music is testing another generative AI feature called “conversational radio,” which allows users to access customized radio stations by describing the type of songs they want to hear, such as “catchy pop choruses” or “upbeat pop anthems.” This feature is currently available only to select YouTube Premium users in the US. According to TechCrunch, it appears as a card on the home feed that says “Ask for music any way you like.” Tapping the card brings up a user interface where users can enter a prompt or choose from suggested options.
AI’s Impact on Music Streaming
Generative AI is increasingly being integrated into online platforms, and music streaming apps are no exception. Besides YouTube Music, major players like Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer are also exploring generative AI to create playlists tailored to users’ music preferences. This technology allows users to personalize their listening experience by entering prompts to hear specific songs, artists, or genres.