Source: Waze
YouTube Music is now integrated with the Waze driving app, so long as you’re a premium subscriber.
YouTube made the announcement today on their blog for YouTube Premium subscribers. The app is now integrated with Waze’s built-in player. Users can listen to albums, playlists, personalized mixes, and more.
Waze is one of the best everyday driving apps for navigating around a busy city — or any congested grid, for that matter. Google snapped up Waze in a deal worth $966 million in June 2013, with data in mind. Waze’s social data for its maps sets it apart from the standard Google Maps experience.
Waze users can use YouTube Music inside the app starting today. YouTube says the service will soon be available in all 50 markets where YouTube Music and Waze are available. The official blog announcement shared two playlists with listeners, including the New Release Mix and Dance Pop Bangers.
Most Waze users use the app to communicate about slowdowns in traffic. It also tracks accident reports, police presence, speed cameras, blocked roads, and more. All of this is data available in real-time, with Google working feverishly to integrate the information into maps (and store as much information on drivers as possible).
YouTube Music has struggled to gain traction in the United States. Google has stopped focusing on Google Play Music in favor of YouTube Music, but confusing subscription tiers and less-than-stellar app performance keep people away.
The default YouTube app is the top-grossing app in the App Store, according to the app analytics firm, App Annie. Meanwhile, the YouTube Music app ranks at number 19 on the list. The app has climbed a few places since the last time we checked, so perhaps popularity is perking up.
YouTube Music launched in 2015 and is available in 63 countries so far. Premium subscribers get access to ad-free listening and various exclusive shows. YouTube Music also supports digital assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.