Google has officially shuttered the Google Play Music service. Moreover, as repeatedly warned, the search giant will begin deleting any and all digital purchases, obscure song/music uploads, and entire albums as well as playlists.
YouTube Music has officially replaced Google Play Music in the new year. Although Google offered ample time to subscribers, many still haven’t transitioned. Such subscribers now risk losing their beloved music collection, undoubtedly created through meticulous searching and uploading process.
Google’s Transfer Tool to transition from Play Music to YouTube Music still operational, but not for long:
Google first confirmed it will shut down Google Play Music back in August 2020. The deadline was December 31, 2020.
Subscribers who still have digital purchases stored in Google Play Music must hurry, and download or transfer the songs, playlists, and albums. Subscribers of the now-retired service still have the Transfer Tool, but not for long.
Google has repeatedly warned it will begin deleting purchases. And as the deadline has come and gone, subscribers won’t have any recourse if they lose their beloved music collection.
Google Play Music was an Apple iTunes rival and meant for Android smartphone users. The service allowed Android users to purchase individual tracks and albums.
It also allowed Android users to upload tracks they had already purchased from other stores, like iTunes and Amazon. Subscribers could then access their music collection from any synced Android device.
Apple Music offers exclusive albums as well as a 24/7 radio station. Spotify has a huge podcast library. Moreover, it is the largest cross-platform music streaming service that works well on smart speakers, set-top boxes as well.
Google YouTube Music has the largest repository of live performances, including gigs uploaded to YouTube. Subscribers can stream such content ad-free. There are hundreds of covers and remixes, and they continue to remain a popular streaming option.
Incidentally, Google YouTube Music does offer the main benefit of Play Music. The service offers users the chance to transfer their existing library. But the deadline for the same has passed with 2020.
How to use the Google Transfer Tool to get the Play Music library over to YouTube Music?
The Google Transfer Tool is still alive, but the company could shutter it anytime. If Google Play Music subscribers haven’t transferred their library to YouTube Music, then they must head over to the official webpage of the tool to initiate the process.
I hate it when this happens… @youtubemusic @Google pic.twitter.com/0XCOm2bU9W
— Stans Njoroge (@stanski03) January 4, 2021
Subscribers of the now-retired service will need their Google account sign-in that was used while purchasing or uploading their library. The message on the page reads: “Google Play Music is no longer available. You can transfer your account and library, including playlists and uploads, for a limited time. If you want to keep your music, download it soon. If you choose not to delete it now, we’ll automatically delete any remaining music and data once the shutdown is complete.”
In case the Google Transfer Tool page is not reachable, users can try after a few minutes. However, do note that the deadline has already passed.