Yes, creating and listening to YouTube Music playlists is completely free for all users.
You do not need a YouTube Music subscription or Premium account to make and enjoy playlists on the platform.
Creating Playlists on YouTube Music
Anyone with a free YouTube or Google account can create playlists on YouTube Music at no cost.
Simply open the YouTube Music app or website and log into your account. Then you can start adding songs, albums, artists, and other content to new playlists.
Give each playlist a name and description, reorder tracks, change cover art, make them public or private – all without paying anything.
Playlists you create on YouTube Music will sync across devices and can be accessed on both mobile apps and web.
Build playlists on your phone then enjoy them on your smart TV or desktop. YouTube Music playlists are fully integrated with your Google account.
Finding Playlists on YouTube Music
In addition to making your own playlists, YouTube Music gives you access to millions of public playlists created by other users.
Search for playlists by name, genre, mood, activity, decade, and more. Follow playlists made by your favorite artists, YouTube creators, and music experts. Discover personalized playlists tailored just for you based on your listening history and preferences.
You can browse, search, and access all these public YouTube Music playlists without a subscription. Finding great playlists made by others is free for all users.
Listening to YouTube Music Playlists
Playlists created by you or others can be streamed for free with some limitations.
Listening to playlists on demand requires watching occasional ads between songs.
Downloading playlists for offline listening is limited to 100 tracks for non-paying users. Otherwise, you can play any public or private YouTube Music playlist without paying.
Keep in mind that some songs and videos may not be available in playlists due to licensing restrictions. Tracks can also be removed over time as licenses expire. But the vast majority of playlists will play uninterrupted with periodic ads.
Using Playlists for Artists and Creators
Playlists are important tools for artists, creators, and brands looking to organize content and reach new audiences on YouTube Music. Here are some key tips:
- Curate official playlists to showcase albums, singles, live performances, music videos, and more
- Partner with other fan channels to make joint playlists that cross-promote
- Use descriptive playlist titles, thumbnails, and text to optimize discovery
- Link playlists prominently on your YouTube channel and external websites
- Refresh playlists regularly to feature new releases and content
The right playlists help drive listeners to your catalog and build lasting connections with fans. All basic playlist creation and management features are included free for any channel.
Using Playlists for Businesses and Brands
YouTube Music playlists also present opportunities for brands looking to engage audiences. Playlists allow businesses to:
- Curate branded playlists with music that fits a campaign or initiative
- Work with artists/influencers to co-create sponsored playlists
- Use playlists to complement and promote video content
- Build playlists tied to specific products, events, or initiatives
- Drive website traffic by embedding playlists
The key is crafting branded playlists that feel authentic and genuinely enhance the listener experience. Align playlists to your broader marketing strategies for best results.
Maximizing Discovery of Playlists
While anyone can build playlists for free on YouTube Music, actually getting them discovered takes some extra work. Here are some tips to maximize playlist visibility:
- Choose titles and descriptions strategically using keyword research
- Tag playlists thoroughly to help them come up in searches
- Refresh playlists regularly to keep them relevant and updated
- Use captivating custom thumbnails to make them stand out
- Promote playlists heavily on your YouTube channel and external sites
- Collaborate with influencers in your niche to gain exposure
- Analyze performance data in YouTube Analytics to optimize
Well-promoted, search-optimized playlists are more likely to be surfaced by YouTube Music’s recommendation algorithms. Make playlists for your audience, not just yourself.
Creating the Perfect Playlist
Not all playlists are made equal. Here are some best practices for creating truly great playlists on YouTube Music:
- Match songs to a specific mood, activity, theme or feeling
- Prioritize lesser-known tracks audiences may discover
- Use a mix of styles, genres, tempos, and release dates
- Keep playlists to a reasonable length that fits listening occasions
- Arrange songs in an intentional order that flows well
- Weed out filler songs that distract from the overall vibe
- Freshen up tracklist periodically to keep it sounding fresh
Truly compelling playlists balance familiarity with discovery while sustaining a consistent sound or experience. The best playlists feel like journeys. Strive for creative vision, not just random collections.
Playlists vs. Albums, Radios, and Stations
Playlists serve a different role than other YouTube Music content formats:
Albums – Fixed collections dictated by an artist
Radios – Endless stream based on a single seed
Stations – Pre-programmed, finite streams
Playlists – Custom collections crafted by fans
The personalized nature of playlists and ability to reinvent them over time provides creative opportunities albums and streams do not. But artists and fans can utilize multiple formats to meet different needs.
The Future of Playlists
Playlists are likely to become even more predominant in streaming music experiences going forward. Some predictions:
- Playlists will continue exploding in popularity as streaming grows
- Music rights holders will license more for playlists and algorithmic mixes
- Platforms like YouTube Music will invest heavily in playlist personalization
- Artists and creators will prioritize playlists over albums
- Voice commands may simplify playlist creation and access
- Playlists may evolve into more multimedia experiences
Playlists are not just collections of songs – they shape how audiences discover and connect with music. Expect playlists to drive innovation in streaming.
