youtube Music has long been bundled with YouTube Premium, but one feature in particular is changing how some users evaluate paid music subscriptions. Unlike Spotify, YouTube Music allows you to upload your own music files and merge them directly into your streaming library.
This capability fundamentally changes how the service works. Uploaded tracks sit alongside official releases, playlists, recommendations, and even music videos. For users with existing collections,the service stops being just a streaming catalog and starts functioning as a unified music library.
Spotify, by contrast, limits playback to licensed content and local files stored on individual devices. While Spotify supports local playback, those files don’t integrate cleanly across devices or into recommendations.
Fewer gaps in the music catalog
On paper, Spotify and YouTube Music advertise similar catalog sizes. In practise, YouTube Music draws from both licensed releases and the broader YouTube ecosystem. That includes live recordings, alternate versions, regional releases, and rare tracks that are often unavailable on conventional streaming services.
This reduces gaps when searching for specific versions of songs, such as live performances or out-of-print recordings. The result is a library that feels more complete, even when the headline track counts are similar.
Audio and video in one place
Another difference is how YouTube Music handles video. Official music videos, live performances, and audio tracks are treated as interchangeable formats rather than separate experiences. You can switch between audio-only playback and video without leaving the app.
