Google to launch music streaming service under YouTube brand: Report

Google is set to unveil a music streaming website of its own under the YouTube brand, a report in Fortune has indicated.

According to the report, Google will unveil a music subscription service within this year. There will be an ad-supported version that anyone can listen to for free and also an ad-free option, supported by a subscription fee. Similar to Spotify and other streaming services, both options will let users listen to virtually unlimited music.

The report doesn't mention if YouTube's service will be available in select geographies like most popular streaming website or, given Google and YouTube's universal appeal, to users around the world.

The report also claims that Google may add a subscription option to its Music offering in the Play Store. Users in select countries can currently buy tracks and albums from the Play Store, and Fortune claims Google is set to add a subscription model that will unlock yet unclear "additional features".

While Google or YouTube refused to comment specifically on the Fortune story, YouTube did release the following statement: "While we don't comment on rumour or speculation, there are some content creators that think they would benefit from a subscription revenue stream in addition to ads, so we're looking at that."

The music streaming industry is already pretty crowded with the likes of Spotify, Pandora and even domestic players like Saavn and Gaana. There has been plenty of buzz around Apple entering the market as well. Having said that, many people already use YouTube for their music listening needs, and a music subscription from the world's most popular video website seems like the next logical step.