Easily Access YouTube Music on Your Desktop with This Convenient App

Easily Access YouTube Music on Your Desktop with This Convenient App

If you’re exploring music streaming options and are a fan of YouTube Music, you might be aware that while it serves as a solid alternative to Spotify, it traditionally lacked a dedicated desktop application. Luckily, the YouTube Music Desktop App is here to close that gap and enhance your music listening experience.

The Advantage of a Desktop App

Transitioning from a browser-based player to a desktop application may feel trivial at first, but it adds distinct conveniences. Have you ever found yourself frantically searching through dozens of browser tabs just to skip a song? Or worse, accidentally closing your browser and losing your music entirely? A dedicated app mitigates these hassles, allowing you to continue enjoying your tunes without interruption.

The launch of the YouTube Music Desktop App was a game changer for me. Not only can it play music seamlessly, but it also features an ad blocker, a downloader, and an array of plugins designed to optimize your listening experience. Best part? It’s open-source and cross-platform, enabling community-driven plugin development.

However, it’s worth noting that this app isn’t officially affiliated with YouTube, meaning that if you prefer sticking to verified software, this is something to keep in mind.

Getting Started with the YouTube Music Desktop App

Setting up the app is straightforward and completely free. Simply download the appropriate version for your operating system from GitHub. I personally opt for the portable version for Windows, making it easy to run on any PC from a flash drive. There are also options available for Mac and Linux users.

Do exercise caution, as Windows may issue a safety alert given that this is not an official Google application. Just like I do, run a quick check using tools like VirusTotal to ensure your download is clean. Once you’re ready, installation takes mere seconds, and you’ll encounter a familiar interface resembling the YouTube Music web player.

YouTube Music Desktop App main dashboard

Interestingly, logging in isn’t necessary to start using the app. As a free user, you may not experience any ads for a while, but remember that those ads support artists through the platform. For premium users, simply click Sign In at the top right to access your saved tracks and playlists seamlessly.

Exploring Customization Options

With plugins providing a wealth of customization, let’s dive into some advanced settings to optimize your experience. Locate the Options menu in the top left corner. One of my favorite features is the ability to change the Starting page, which can set the tone for your music journey.

Rather than sticking with the default page, I prefer to navigate straight to my Library for quick access to playlists. Just remember that you’ll need to log in to access these features. Furthermore, if you want the music to start playing automatically when launching the app, toggling on Resume last song when app starts is key. Also, don’t forget to enable Start at login to kick off your sessions whenever you boot up Windows.

Changing YouTube Music app options

Enhancing Your Experience with Plugins

The standout feature of the YouTube Music Desktop App is undoubtedly its expanding suite of plugins. Access this array by clicking Plugins at the top left. While some plugins require a restart to activate, they vastly improve usability. Here are some useful functionalities:

  • Ad Blocker – Control ads with customizable settings.
  • Captions – Add captions for a more inclusive listening experience.
  • Discord Rich Presence – Share your current music on Discord for friends to see.
  • Lyrics Genius and Synced Lyrics – Enjoy real-time lyrics for supported songs.
Enabling Lyrics Genius plugin in YouTube Music app
  • SponsorBlock – Skip past interruptions in music or videos.
  • Precise Volume Control – Adjust your volume easily with hotkeys or your mouse.
  • Video Toggle – Switch between audio-only and video playback modes.
  • No Google Login – Remove Google login requirements, suitable for younger audiences.
  • Audio Compressor – Maintain consistent volume levels, eliminating drastic changes.

This is just a snapshot of the capabilities available to you. With additional options for customizing the visual aspects of the player, including adding visual effects and ambient colors, you can tailor your app experience significantly. For complete details and instructions on creating your own plugins, check out the full project documentation.

While I’ve faced a few glitches, such as plugins failing to activate after auto-restart, overall, this app has made my YouTube Music subscription, linked with YouTube Premium, much more enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the benefits of using the YouTube Music Desktop App?

The YouTube Music Desktop App allows users to enjoy music without the constraints of a browser. It offers features like an ad blocker, downloader, and customization plugins that enhance the overall experience, making it similar to dedicated applications like Spotify.

2. Is it safe to download the YouTube Music Desktop App?

While the YouTube Music Desktop App is not officially endorsed by Google, it is open-source and generally safe to download. It’s advisable to run security checks, such as scanning the download link on VirusTotal, before installation.

3. Can I customize the YouTube Music Desktop App?

Absolutely! The YouTube Music Desktop App includes numerous customization options through plugins. You can change the starting page, enable features like ad blockers, and even adjust the app’s visual appearance, tailoring it to suit your preferences.

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