Can Alexa Play YouTube Music

YouTube Music and Alexa. They’re like that iconic duo that you wish would just collaborate already. If you’re like me, and music is the air you breathe, then you’d want Alexa, Amazon’s voice-activated assistant, to play from the massive library that is YouTube Music. So, does Alexa play nice with YouTube Music? Let’s dive deep into this often-asked question.

TL;DR: Yes, Alexa cannot natively play music from YouTube Music. However, there are workarounds that can bridge the gap between these two. Keep reading to uncover the steps and tricks I’ve discovered!

Scroll down to get a detailed answer

Alexa and YouTube Music: What’s the Story?

Alexa, out-of-the-box, is designed to work seamlessly with Amazon’s own music service, Amazon Music. Additionally, it has integrated support for other platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer. YouTube Music, sadly, isn’t in this direct lineup.

Why the Snub?

It’s all about business models and partnerships. Amazon would obviously want to promote its services, and unless there’s a solid partnership or agreement between Amazon and Google (the parent company of YouTube), the direct integration isn’t a priority.

The Workarounds: Bridging Alexa and YouTube Music

Fear not! While the official route might be a no-go, I’ve got your back with some solid workarounds:

1. Bluetooth Pairing
   • Step 1: Open the Alexa app and go to Devices.
   • Step 2: Select your Echo device.
   • Step 3: Tap on Bluetooth Devices and then Pair a New Device.
   • Step 4: Now, open Bluetooth settings on your phone or computer and pair with your Echo device.
   • Step 5: Play YouTube Music on your device, and it will stream through Alexa.

   Note:

   This method simply makes Alexa act as a speaker. Voice commands specific to YouTube Music won’t work in this setup.
2. Third-Party Skills
   • There are some unofficial Alexa skills developed by third-party developers that may claim to bridge this gap. However, these are not endorsed by Amazon or Google. As of my last update, there hasn’t been a standout skill that’s both reliable and popular.
3. Cast to Alexa
   • Some apps and devices allow for casting to Alexa devices, much like you would with a Google Chromecast. This isn’t a native feature, but with the right setup, you can make it work.

Why You’d Want Alexa to Play YouTube Music

• Diverse Library: YouTube Music boasts a vast range of tracks, including live performances, covers, and remixes that aren’t available elsewhere.
• Custom Playlists: If you’re like me, there’s a good chance you’ve meticulously curated some stellar playlists on YouTube Music.
• Discoverability: YouTube Music’s algorithm is sharp! It learns quickly and suggests fresh tracks based on your listening habits.

Why You Might Stick with Other Platforms

While YouTube Music is amazing, here’s why you might consider using a platform Alexa supports natively:

• Ease of Use: Nothing beats saying, “Alexa, play my favorite playlist,” and having it executed flawlessly.
• Seamless Integration: Native services often have better sound quality and fewer interruptions.
• Additional Features: Platforms like Amazon Music and Spotify offer lyrics display, better integration with smart home setups, and more.

Making the Best of Bluetooth Pairing

Advantages of Bluetooth Pairing:

• Universality: It’s a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you’re using YouTube Music, a podcast app, or any other audio platform, this method works uniformly.
• Control: Since the music is being played from your device, you have direct control over playback, volume, and song selection.
• No Extra Cost: There’s no need for any additional gadgets or subscriptions. Your existing Echo device and smartphone or computer suffice.

Drawbacks to Keep in Mind:

• Proximity: Your device needs to be within the Bluetooth range of the Alexa device, which can be a limitation if you’re moving around a lot.
• Battery Consumption: Playing music continuously via Bluetooth can drain your device’s battery faster than usual.

Protip: If you’re hosting a party or get-together, you can ask your friends to connect their devices and take turns playing DJ without any setup hassles!

Exploring Third-Party Integrations

While there isn’t an official skill on the Alexa store that integrates YouTube Music, the ever-growing community of developers is always coming up with innovative solutions.

Things to Remember When Using Third-Party Skills:

• Research: Before enabling any third-party skill, do a bit of homework. Read reviews, check its ratings, and maybe even search online for any user experiences or potential issues.
• Safety: Be cautious about skills that ask for too many permissions or personal details. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
• Functionality: Understand that these skills might not offer complete functionality. Some might just offer playback, while others might allow for playlist selection but not individual song choices.

Diving into the World of Casting

The casting method is somewhat akin to the Bluetooth pairing but offers a slightly different experience.

Benefits of Casting:

• Better Range: Since casting often works over Wi-Fi, you don’t have the same range limitations as Bluetooth.
• Multitasking: Depending on your casting setup, you might be able to play YouTube Music on your Alexa device while using your smartphone or tablet for other tasks.

Potential Challenges:

• Setup Complexity: Unlike Bluetooth pairing, casting might require additional gadgets or a more intricate setup.
• Device Limitations: Not all devices and apps support casting, so compatibility can be an issue.

Getting the Best Audio Experience

Regardless of the method you choose to bridge the Alexa-YouTube Music gap, if you’re an audiophile like me, you’d want the best audio experience. Here’s what I recommend:

• Optimal Device Placement: Ensure your Alexa device is placed in a central location in the room, away from walls and corners, to avoid sound distortion.
• Wi-Fi Strength: If you’re casting or using third-party skills, a strong Wi-Fi connection ensures smooth streaming without any lags or drops.
• Quality of Source: Ensure the audio quality setting in your YouTube Music app is set to the highest for best results. Remember, the better the source quality, the better the output.

Conclusion

While it’s a tad disappointing that Alexa can’t directly play from YouTube Music, the workarounds make it feasible. I recommend exploring the Bluetooth option as it’s the most straightforward.

But if you’re deeply invested in your YouTube Music playlists, it might be worth holding onto the hope that one day, Alexa and YouTube Music will play nice together.

FAQ

Can Alexa play YouTube videos?

No, Alexa cannot directly play YouTube videos. However, Echo devices with screens can play videos from some supported platforms.

What music services are natively supported by Alexa?

Alexa supports Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and a few others natively.

Is the sound quality compromised when using Bluetooth with Alexa?

While there might be a slight reduction in sound quality when streaming over Bluetooth as compared to Wi-Fi streaming, for most users, it’s negligible.