Google Tests Locking YouTube Music Lyrics Behind Paywall
Google has begun testing a change to YouTube Music that would lock song lyrics behind a paywall, making them accessible only to paying subscribers. Currently, lyrics are available to all users, but the experiment suggests Google is exploring ways to differentiate its free and premium tiers more aggressively.
The move has drawn attention from Ars Technica and other outlets, as lyrics have traditionally been a basic feature of music streaming services. If implemented broadly, the change could frustrate free-tier users while potentially driving subscription revenue. It also raises questions about whether other streaming platforms might follow suit with similar restrictions on features previously considered standard.
The move has drawn attention from Ars Technica and other outlets, as lyrics have traditionally been a basic feature of music streaming services. If implemented broadly, the change could frustrate free-tier users while potentially driving subscription revenue. It also raises questions about whether other streaming platforms might follow suit with similar restrictions on features previously considered standard.