14 DAY TRIAL // YouTube has relaunched its Music page which is now better curated, and features concert recommendations and music videos based on your tastes. This combination of both algorithm-driven recommendations and human curation is probably the best approach for the site.
The Music page is getting a reboot with a selection of videos, from different genres, handpicked by the likes of Red Hot Chilly Peppers and Lady Gaga.
"YouTube has videos across the entire spectrum of music, from current pop hits to classic tracks to obscure but wonderful sounds. But how do you find that next piece of musical gold?," YouTube's Tim Partridge asks.
"To help with this task we’re re-launching our YouTube Music page with a host of new features to help guide you on your audio-visual quest, and several guest curators to help out as well," he said.
It's not the first time YouTube has revamped its Music page, but it is now doubling down on efforts.
The page now features music videos based on the things you're already listening to on the site. Considering that a lot of people listen to a lot of music on YouTube, the site should have a good idea of what its users like.
That said, there doesn't seem to be any elaborate algorithm powering the recommendations, most of the time you get recommended tracks because you've listened to that particular artist in the past, or, conversely, recommended artists because you've listened to a track from them.
Sometimes you're recommended artists similar to the ones you listen to, but, again, the way YouTube determines which artists are related seems primitive, it's enough for them to be hip hop artists for example. Your results may vary.
Another new feature is concert data around your location. It's an obvious addition, but one that doesn't add much to a video site.
Finally, the Music page displays the Top 100 of the most popular tracks on YouTube. This is great if you're into pop music, but there are plenty of people with more refine tastes.
Still, maybe you're curious to see what the kids are listening to these days. The curiosity vanes quickly, though, after you see what the kids are listening to these days.
YouTube is putting some effort behind the latest revamp, it's partnered with publications such as SPIN, Vice, XLR8R to highlight tracks and artists. It's also running a special playlist for the next few days.
Yesterday it was Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Guide to Rock, today it's David Guetta’s Guide to Electronica, Lady Gaga’s Guide to Pop is on Saturday and Eminem & Royce Da 5’9”’s Guide to Hiphop is on Monday.