Google Play Music Launches ‘Free’ Service

So, Google Play Music has upped their game to compete with other services such as: Spotify, Pandora and Apple Music by giving users the option to try their service without having to pay a penny.

Sounds good, right? Google Play Music has launched the ad-supported radio product to complement the $10 a month subscription service that gives members unlimited access to songs and storage for the songs you already own.

The Google product manager and CEO of Songza, the web radio company who Google bought in July said:

“Without a free tier, ‘we’re basically asking for people’s phone number before having a chance to flirt,” said Roman in an interview.’ The single biggest door we can open is a free tier that lets people try the experience.”

Customers are increasingly switching their behaviour on purchasing songs. Some may download, others may use a streaming service and Google Play Music wants to be the leading consumer. With the bonus feature of free storage, expect to hear a lot more from the service as Google are trying to break into popular consciousness to compete with leading services such as: Spotify, Pandora and Apple Music.

On the app you will be able to listen to songs based on your current mood, genre you like, year of the song you like and other activity. It also gives you the option to search your favourite song, artist and album. If you’re feeling creative, you can make an entire station suitable for you, full of similar music. There are only specific songs you won’t be able to play on-demand.

Apparently, you will only hear a ‘light’ advertisement before you listen to your desired song which is a bit similar to YouTube.

The free tier launches first in the U.S. It’s available on the web today, and is rolling out this week to Android and the Apple iOS mobile operating system.