A quiet shift has occurred within YouTube Music, one that’s leaving many free users in the dark. The vibrant, readily available lyrics that once accompanied songs are now often blurred, replaced by a frustratingly opaque screen.
The message is stark and direct: a banner now appears, counting down the number of lyric views remaining for free accounts. Below, a single, pointed option looms – “Unlock lyrics with Premium.” It’s a clear signal that access to a core feature is being deliberately restricted.
This isn’t a sudden change, but the culmination of a months-long test where lyrics were exclusively reserved for paying subscribers. For those attempting to access lyrics on the free app, an unexpected offer appears: two weeks of Premium, with no way to decline. A generous gesture, perhaps, but ultimately unhelpful for those already committed to other platforms.
The strategy behind this move feels particularly puzzling. While lyrics alone may not be a primary driver for subscriptions, their removal feels punitive, potentially pushing users towards competitors. Spotify, for instance, continues to offer a complete lyrics experience to all its users.
Spotify recently enhanced its Premium tier with offline lyric downloads, *adding* value rather than *removing* it from free users. This approach contrasts sharply with YouTube Music’s decision, which risks alienating a significant portion of its audience.
The landscape of free music streaming isn’t limited to Spotify. Pandora, Amazon Music Free, and Freefy all provide lyrics access without a paywall. While these services may offer less control over song selection, they maintain a fundamental feature that YouTube Music is now withholding.
Of course, lyrics aren’t entirely disappearing. The internet remains a vast repository of song words, readily available through a simple Google search or dedicated sites like Genius and AZLyrics. But the convenience of in-app lyrics is undeniably lost.
Ultimately, the decision to gatekeep this feature feels short-sighted. It’s a move that prioritizes subscription revenue over user experience, and one that could ultimately drive listeners to platforms that value accessibility.
