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A feature that should have been available on YouTube Music from the get-go, is now available. That is Android Auto support. Allowing you to use YouTube Music in the car while you are on your way to work, or on a long drive.
The navigation in YouTube Music on Android Auto is pretty similar to other music services on the platform. You can tap on the music icon and switch to YouTube Music. From there you’ll be able to play/pause, as well as skip tracks or go back. You can also switch to different playlists and songs in your library all from Android Auto. There’s also access to top charts, as well as “similar to” different artists that you have listened too. Basically everything that is found in the app, is available on Android Auto.
The reason for YouTube Music being so similar to other music services on Android Auto is the fact that Google forces all apps to use a single wrapper for their app on Android Auto. This is so that the experience is nearly the same on every app. But it also makes it easier to control your music while you are driving, which is pretty important. As Google wants you to keep your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road while you’re driving.
Of course, YouTube Music does also switch to Dark Mode depending on whether its daytime or nighttime while you’re driving. This is actually an Android Auto feature, though it would be good to see a setting to allow YouTube Music (and other apps) to stay in Dark Mode all the time.
YouTube Music will work in Android Auto on your phone as well as in your head unit, which is pretty nice to have. Since not everyone has a head unit that supports Android Auto support in their vehicle.
This is one of, still, many features that were missing from YouTube Music when compared to Google Play Music. But it does look like Google is working hard to bring the two services in parity. Since Google is likely going to get rid of Play Music in the next few years, this is a good thing. This is definitely a feature that should have been available on day one, but it’s better late than never. Google Podcasts also launched without Android Auto support and eventually got support a few months ago.
In order to use YouTube Music in Android Auto, you will need to have the latest version of the app. Which is v3.03.54. It is rolling out now through the Google Play Store, and of course, Google is rolling it out through a staged rollout, so it may take a few days to hit your device. Once you do get the update, simply launch Android Auto, and you’ll be good to go. YouTube Music will be available in the services on your Android Auto as soon as you launch it. Making it pretty simple to launch YouTube Music in the car.