YouTube users in Kenya, Ghana and Senegal can finally explore more services and features because YouTube today announced that YouTube Music and YouTube Premium are now available in these countries.
For years now, YouTube has offered a variety of subscription services like YouTube Premium and YouTube Music. The Premium service was not widely available and YouTube Music replaced Google Play Music and recently Google Podcasts, even though the app was in the Play Store, the service was not available in Kenya. Now that's old news since the two YouTube services are available in Kenya.
We’re excited to bring YouTube Music to Kenya as this reinforces our commitment to provide individuals access to the music they love while exploring other interesting music preferences
YouTube Premium is all the perks of YouTube and YouTube Music without interruptions. This means that subscribers get ad-free viewing, background play, and the ability to download videos for offline viewing.
Before its arrival...
It has been a long time since several users have been trying to find alternative apps and plug-ins to view YouTube content ad-free, but in recent months, these users have been unable to bypass adblockers with Google and YouTube disabling them user by user. So probably their strategy was to expand the Premium service worldwide to target some demographic.
As for YouTube Music, its availability as an app and not as a streaming service since 2018 beats its purpose for Android users, especially when it comes preinstalled on all Android smartphones and one uses the app as a music player for audio files. For some, the app became essentially non-functional. Until now...
Now that they are here...
A few days ago, we got an anonymous tip that YouTube Premium was going to be in Kenya 'sooner than expected' with no mention of YouTube Music. I even got to have a discussion with one of my friends and also a GizMunch team member about what we would be expecting when the service arrived. My friend however uses YouTube Vanced and doesn't see the need to have Premium. YouTube Music, however, might depend.
Now YouTube Premium is here and YouTube Music is also here makes me excited to explore and try these services without relying on VPN or DNS most of the time. Here is what YouTube Premium offers:
- Ad-free videos on YouTube.
- Download videos to watch offline.
- Play videos in the background while you use other apps.
- YouTube Music included.
YouTube Music (Individual) is priced at KES 419 per month, while the YouTube Music Family plan costs KES 669 per month and KES 209 per month for the student package. For an inclusive package, the YouTube Premium Bundle is available at KES 499 per month, Premium Family plan is at KES 949. The student plan costs KES 289 per month. All plans during the start of the subscription offer One month free.
For now, there is no MPESA payment option, unless via GlobalPay on the MPESA app. Billing is done via credit or debit card.
The benefits of YouTube Premium to Kenyans
The entry of YouTube Music into the Kenyan market will surely benefit a lot of users. With its vast and diverse music and podcast library, personalized playlists, and algorithm-driven recommendations, the service is likely to appeal to a broad segment of Kenyan users many of whom have grown up using YouTube.
“Music is a powerful force that can unite people beyond their geographical and language barriers; It brings joy and elevates the psyche. We’re excited to bring YouTube Music to Kenya as this reinforces our commitment to provide individuals access to the music they love while exploring other interesting music preferences,” said Addy Awofisayo, Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa at YouTube.
Google says this expansion will build upon YouTube’s commitment to innovation and the exportation of culture, promising a more engaging and personalized experience for music and video enthusiasts in Kenya.
