Google is making strides in music discovery on YouTube by introducing a feature that enables users to find songs simply by singing them aloud. This innovative functionality, currently being tested with a select group of Android users, has the potential to reshape the landscape of online music exploration.
A More Convenient Way to Search for Songs
In the realm of smartphones, the ability to search for songs based on their sound has been available for quite some time. Services such as Google Assistant and SoundHound have allowed users to identify tracks and even add them to playlists or play corresponding YouTube clips. However, the latest song search method offers even greater convenience, particularly for moments when song names or other specifics slip from memory.
Hum or Record: Song Detection Takes a Leap
Google’s experimentation extends to discovering songs on YouTube by utilizing voice humming. Beyond this, users have the option to deploy song detection by capturing snippets of background music, such as tunes playing in cafes or on the radio.
To activate this feature, users need to transition from standard YouTube voice search to the song search function. Following this, the user is prompted to hum the tune or record a portion of the song for a minimum of 3 seconds. Subsequently, the system directs them to pertinent content on YouTube, encompassing official videos, user-generated clips, or Shorts.
Limited Testing Phase and Potential Expansion
Presently, this novel search approach is accessible solely to a limited segment of YouTube users employing Android devices. As the testing phase unfolds, it’s important to note that the feature’s attributes could undergo modifications before it reaches the wider public. Anticipation is high that Google may also integrate this functionality into the YouTube Music platform, enriching the music discovery experience.
Introducing “Channel Shelf” for Enhanced Subscriber Feeds
In addition to the voice-based song search, Google is concurrently evaluating the feasibility of a “Channel Shelf” feature within the subscription feed of YouTube. This proposed feature aims to streamline access to recent content from specific content creators. By consolidating multiple recent uploads from a single creator onto a unified “shelf,” subscribers can conveniently stay updated without navigating to individual channels. Google envisions that this innovation will alleviate pressure on content creators in terms of publication frequency demands.
Google’s ongoing experiments with voice-based song search and the potential “Channel Shelf” enhancement underscore its commitment to refining the user experience on YouTube, offering more intuitive ways to discover music and interact with favorite creators, summarizes NIXSolutions.