YouTube Music is stepping up its game by introducing a new ‘Resume’ feature, clearly taking inspiration from Spotify’s playbook. This addition aims to enhance user experience by allowing listeners to pick up right where they left off, whether they were in the middle of a playlist, album, or radio station. While this is a welcome update, YouTube Music still has a long way to go before it can truly compete with Spotify’s polished ecosystem. Here’s everything you need to know about this new feature, how it compares to Spotify, and what it means for the future of music streaming.
### The New ‘Resume’ Feature: What It Does
The ‘Resume’ feature is designed to save users time by letting them continue playback from their last listening session without manually searching for the track or playlist again. This is particularly useful for those who frequently switch between different apps or devices. For example, if you were listening to a workout playlist on your phone before heading out, you can resume playback seamlessly on your smart speaker at home.
Currently, the feature is in its early stages and may not be as refined as Spotify’s version. Some users report occasional glitches, such as the app failing to remember the exact playback position or not recognizing recently played content. However, YouTube Music is expected to iron out these kinks in future updates.
### How It Stacks Up Against Spotify
Spotify has long been the gold standard for music streaming, and its ‘Resume’ functionality is near-flawless. The platform not only remembers your last playback position but also syncs it across all devices in real time. Additionally, Spotify offers a ‘Recently Played’ section that displays up to 100 tracks, making it easy to revisit past listening sessions.
YouTube Music’s implementation, while promising, lacks some of these advanced touches. For instance, it doesn’t yet support cross-device synchronization as effectively as Spotify. There’s also no dedicated ‘Recently Played’ history that extends beyond a few tracks. However, given Google’s track record with iterative improvements, it’s likely that YouTube Music will bridge this gap over time.
### Why This Matters for the Streaming Wars
The music streaming industry is more competitive than ever, with platforms constantly rolling out new features to retain users. Spotify remains the leader with over 422 million monthly active users as of 2022, while YouTube Music trails behind with around 50 million subscribers. By adopting features like ‘Resume,’ YouTube Music is signaling its intent to close the gap.
However, Spotify isn’t standing still. The company recently introduced AI-powered playlists, enhanced podcast integration, and even a TikTok-style discovery feed. To truly compete, YouTube Music will need to not only match these innovations but also leverage its unique strengths—such as seamless integration with YouTube’s vast video library and ad-free listening for Premium subscribers.
### User Reactions and Early Feedback
Early adopters of the ‘Resume’ feature have mixed opinions. Some praise the convenience, especially those who frequently switch between mobile and desktop listening. Others point out inconsistencies, such as the feature not working after app updates or device reboots.
One Reddit user noted, “It’s a step in the right direction, but YouTube Music needs to fix the bugs. Sometimes it forgets what I was listening to altogether.” Another commented, “Spotify still does it better, but I’m glad YouTube is finally catching up.”
### What’s Next for YouTube Music?
Industry analysts predict that YouTube Music will continue borrowing features from competitors while also introducing exclusive perks. Rumors suggest that Google is working on tighter integration with smart home devices, personalized radio stations powered by AI, and even lossless audio streaming—a feature currently offered by Apple Music and Amazon Music HD.
For now, the ‘Resume’ feature is a small but meaningful upgrade. If YouTube Music can refine its execution and roll out more user-friendly enhancements, it could become a serious contender in the streaming space.
### How to Enable the Resume Feature
If you’re a YouTube Music subscriber, the ‘Resume’ feature should already be active on your account. To use it:
1. Open the YouTube Music app.
2. Start playing a song, playlist, or album.
3. Exit the app or switch to another device.
4. Reopen YouTube Music—your last playback should resume automatically.
If it doesn’t work, ensure your app is updated to the latest version. You can also try clearing the cache or reinstalling the app if issues persist.
### Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Switch?
For die-hard Spotify users, YouTube Music’s ‘Resume’ feature alone may not be enough to justify a switch. However, if you’re already invested in Google’s ecosystem—using a Pixel phone, Chromecast, or Nest speakers—the tighter integration might make YouTube Music a more appealing option.
As the platform continues to evolve, it could eventually pose a real threat to Spotify’s dominance. Until then, music lovers will have to weigh the pros and cons of each service based on their personal preferences.
### Explore More Streaming Options
Still undecided? Check out our in-depth comparison of Spotify vs. YouTube Music vs. Apple Music to find the best fit for your listening habits. Click here for the latest deals on music streaming subscriptions.
### Frequently Asked Questions
Does YouTube Music’s ‘Resume’ feature work offline?
Currently, the feature requires an internet connection to sync playback history across devices.
Can I disable the ‘Resume’ feature if I don’t like it?
There’s no official toggle yet, but you can clear your playback history in settings to reset it.
Will YouTube Music ever surpass Spotify?
While it’s possible, Spotify’s lead in innovation and user base makes it a tough competitor to overtake.
For the latest updates on YouTube Music’s new features, bookmark this page or follow us on social media. Ready to test the ‘Resume’ feature yourself? Open YouTube Music now and give it a try!