YouTube Music arrives in 4 new countries – will India be next?

YouTube‘s newly re-launched premium subscription streaming service has arrived in The Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark and Luxembourg.

The four countries add to a growing global presence for the streaming service that arrived in 17 markets in June, including the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, South Korea, Canada, the UK and multiple markets across Europe. 

Prices in the new locations for YouTube Music Premium and the YouTube Premium tier — which includes access to YouTube Originals series and films — tally with the rest of Europe at €9.99 and €11.99 respectively, reports Android Police.

In Denmark, those prices are 99 and 119 kroner.


Could a launch in India be next on the cards?

There’s evidence to suggest YouTube is making a play for the burgeoning India music market, according to a job ad spotted by MBW.

A Manager, Music Content Partnerships role will be responsible for establishing relationships with artists and creators to secure partnerships in the region, and to “optimize potential opportunities”.

The ad suggests YouTube is keen to grow its bank of regional content from India — the successful applicant will be responsible for prioritizing “the acquisition and onboarding of new music content partners/artists and creators”.

Google Play Music launched in India in 2017 — the users of which are said to be eventually transfered over to the new YouTube subscription service, starting from 2019 at the earliest.

Apple Music also exists in the region alongside local competitors Gaana, Saavn and Hungama.


Earlier in 2018, Amazon Prime Music expanded into India via a partnership with the country’s oldest music label, Saregama.

Meanwhile, Spotify is said to have hit a roadblock in its plans to launch in India, with major labels considering blocking new territorial licenses in response to concern over direct deals with artists.

The job advert joins more than 15 newly-created senior music roles at YouTube that MBW has spotted across territories such as the US, Latin America, Germany, Japan and Singapore.Music Business Worldwide

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