Imagine trying to recall a catchy tune but failing to remember its name or lyrics. YouTube Music has introduced a game-changing feature to solve this dilemma. The “hum to search” tool, previously available briefly in May, allows users to find songs simply by humming, singing, or playing a few notes. This innovative feature is part of a broader AI integration strategy aimed at enhancing the music streaming experience.
The Android YouTube Music app has unveiled a feature that feels like a blend of Shazam and a musical friend who knows every song. Users can now tap the search button in the app, select a new waveform icon, and hum, whistle, sing, or play a recording of a song to identify it. The tool’s precision is impressive, accurately picking out most hummed tunes with remarkable speed, making it a robust alternative to Shazam.
YouTube Music’s AI feature is rolling out to both Android and iOS users, simplifying the process of finding songs from the platform’s extensive 100 million song catalog. Users just need to tap the search button, look for the waveform icon, and start humming or singing. This intuitive tool identifies the song and provides detailed information, including the song’s name, artist, cover art, album, release year, and download status. Users can then play the song or save it to their library.
Moreover, YouTube Music is also testing another exciting feature: AI-generated conversational radio. This tool allows users to describe the type of music they want to listen to, and the AI creates a custom radio station based on those preferences. This feature aims to offer a highly personalized music experience, akin to Spotify’s AI DJ but with a conversational twist that could better align with users’ tastes.
However, the “hum to search” feature is still in a testing phase and is currently available to select subscribers. If successful, it is expected to roll out to a broader audience in the coming months. YouTube initially announced the feature in March, and its rapid development indicates significant progress in AI-driven music discovery tools.
In May, the AI song recognition feature was made available to select Android users and then rolled back. As of July 15, it has been relaunched for both Android and iOS users worldwide. This rollout underscores YouTube Music’s commitment to leveraging AI to enhance the user experience, making music discovery more intuitive and engaging.
In related news, the AI-generated conversational radio feature is also in the testing phase for Premium users in the US. This tool allows users to create custom radio experiences by simply describing the kind of music they want to hear. While it’s not set to replace human radio hosts, it offers a unique, tailored listening experience that’s likely to appeal to a wide range of users.
YouTube Music’s latest innovations reflect a broader trend in the tech industry, where generative AI is increasingly being integrated into online platforms. Other music streaming giants like Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer are also exploring AI to create personalized playlists and enhance user experience. As AI continues to evolve, these advancements are expected to redefine how we discover and enjoy music.