Simple Hack to Separate YouTube from YouTube Music

Many YouTube and YouTube Music subscribers find it frustrating that their likes and interests are intertwined across both platforms. If you’re looking for a more tailored listening experience, there’s an effective method to create a distinct separation between your YouTube account and YouTube Music. Here’s how you can achieve that with ease.

The Benefits of Separating YouTube from YouTube Music

For users who primarily utilize YouTube for viewing content other than music, having their video preferences affecting music recommendations can be annoying. Likewise, you wouldn’t want your YouTube Music favorites disrupting your video suggestions. This overlap can skew your recommendations, making it challenging to enjoy your preferred genres.

Initially, I found YouTube Music lacking—my playlists were dominated by ambient sounds and relaxation tracks. As a rock and pop music lover, I needed a solution to filter my experience. Despite ongoing user feedback, Google has yet to separate these two realms. Fortunately, I’ve discovered two strategies to help you eliminate this overlap.

Create a Secondary Google Profile

You might not be aware, but it is possible to establish a secondary Google profile under your existing Google account without creating an entirely new account. This tactic is especially beneficial for YouTube Premium subscribers who are on an individual plan. It allows you to enjoy premium features like ad-free and offline listening across both services without having to pay for two subscriptions.

To get started, log into your YouTube account and click on your profile icon. Then, navigate to Settings and select Add or manage your channel(s).

Selecting add or manage channels on YouTube

Now, click on Create Channel. This newly created channel will act as your separate profile. For ease of identification, think about incorporating “music”in the name since it will clearly distinguish it as your YouTube Music profile. Complete the setup by clicking on Create channel.

Switching Accounts in YouTube Music

After establishing the new channel, head over to the YouTube Music app, be it on mobile or desktop. Click on your profile icon and choose Switch account, then select your new channel profile. You will find both profiles associated with the same email address.

It’s important to note that switching accounts in one app does not change your account in the other. By doing this, each application operates with a separate profile while still being linked to a single email. However, one limitation is that you cannot switch profiles on YouTube and YouTube Music in the same browser tab; you must use different windows for each service.

Creating Multiple YouTube Profiles

This hack is also handy if you wish to maintain various YouTube accounts under a single email. Google allows users to have multiple YouTube channels. You could create channels specifically dedicated to music videos, tutorials, and personal projects, effectively managing distinct preferences for each.

Bear in mind, Google perceives each profile as an independent account, meaning your likes, playlists, and watch histories don’t transfer over from one profile to another.

Potential Drawbacks

For those who have been using YouTube Music for a long time, one downside to this approach is that many playlist transfer tools may not function as intended. You might find yourself manually transferring playlists from one profile to another.

A straightforward solution is to tap the Share icon on any YouTube Music playlist and send it via email or text to yourself. Once logged in to your new YouTube Music profile, open the link and save the playlist to your library. Just remember, all playlists must be public for this method to work.

However, the silver lining is that YouTube Music’s algorithm can be retrained quite quickly, allowing you to receive excellent new recommendations and build fresh playlists in no time.

Establishing a New Google Account

If you are a free user or utilizing a family plan for YouTube Premium, consider creating a brand new Google account with a different email address. Family plans can accommodate up to six users, so adding a new account as one of these can simplify the experience.

This option is particularly beneficial for those with extensive playlists that need to be preserved without manual transfers. However, individuals on individual plans will find this option unavailable.

Choosing either method outlined allows you to experience YouTube and YouTube Music as distinct entities rather than an interwoven service that hinders your enjoyment.

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