YouTube paid music service delayed over design problems

YouTube’s planned paid-for music service is being delayed as Google executives are insisting the product launches in a competitive state.

Somewhat contrasting with the Google release philosophy of old, whereby products were simply released in beta and then worked on in a live state, it would appear Google doesn’t want to show its cards too early on this occasion and is holding back.

The service was originally earmarked for release earlier this year but the service has now been delayed until “the second quarter or beyond.”

The story comes from Billboard which cites an interview with an unnamed executive who has been briefed on the YouTube plans.

Google already offers a separate subscription service called Google Play Music All Access, and so already has the licenses in place to offer a $5 or $10 monthly service to compete with Spotify, Rhapsody, and Rdio. However Billboard‘s sources say executives are insisting that YouTube’s offering be compelling immediately, with an intuitive, elegant design.

YouTube, which offers millions of tracks already on an ad-supported basis, is the No. 1 music streaming service in the world. The company is still working through which premium features would persuade its audience to pay a monthly fee, according to Billboard. Those curious what the finished product will look like will have to wait a while longer.