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Music & Audio Apps · head to head

Mixcloud vs YouTube Music

Mixcloud logo

Mixcloud

Music & Audio Apps

The home of audio culture

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
YouTube Music logo

YouTube Music

Music & Audio Apps

A new music streaming service from YouTube

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Mixcloud the free Basic tier is limited to 10 show uploads and 10 track uploads; YouTube Music free tier includes unskippable ads which interrupts music listening
  • They diverge on capability: Mixcloud covers DJ mixes, YouTube Music covers Music streaming.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Mixcloud and YouTube Music actually diverge.

Attributes where Mixcloud and YouTube Music differ
AttributeMixcloudYouTube Music
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
PlatformsWeb, Ios, AndroidWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-speakers
Founded20072005

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Music & Audio Apps).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Mixcloud

  • DJ mixes
  • Podcasts
  • Radio shows
  • Streaming
  • Artist tools
  • Social media
  • Payment systems
  • Creator controls

Only in YouTube Music

  • Music streaming
  • Music videos
  • Live performances
  • Personalization
  • Google services
  • Smart speakers
  • Android Auto
  • Google account security

Both cover

  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Mixcloud

  • Hosting DJ mixes and radio shows on a licensed platform that pays artist royaltiesnot YouTube Music
  • Live streaming DJ sets without copyright takedownsnot YouTube Music
  • Earning from listeners through tips and subscriptionsnot YouTube Music

YouTube Music

  • Music streamingnot Mixcloud
  • Video watchingnot Mixcloud
  • Discoverynot Mixcloud

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Mixcloud

  • The free Basic tier is limited to 10 show uploads and 10 track uploads
  • Unlimited uploads, private uploads, scheduling uploads, disabling comments and hiding play counts all require Pro
  • Live streaming video and audio requires Pro; the Basic tier cannot live stream
  • Monetization through Tips and Subscriptions is Pro only
  • Listener insights, tagging hosts and embedding a show player on your own site are Pro only
  • Basic audio uploads are capped at 64kbps AAC+, with 160kbps Opus HQ audio reserved for Pro
  • Free listening includes ads and offline listening requires the separate Premium for listeners subscription
  • The brand and radio station commercial packages start at $3,000 per month

YouTube Music

  • Free tier includes unskippable ads which interrupts music listening
  • User-uploaded content creates inconsistent audio quality and metadata compared to official releases
  • Limited music discovery and recommendation features compared to Spotify's AI-powered algorithms

Pricing, plan by plan

Mixcloud

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Listening
    • Ad-supported
  • Plus$4.99/month
    • Ad-free
    • Offline listening

YouTube Music

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Ad-supported listening
    • Music videos
  • Premium$11.99/month
    • Ad-free
    • Offline downloads
    • Background playback
  • Family$18.99/month
    • Up to 6 accounts
    • Parental controls
  • Student$5.99/month
    • Ad-free
    • YouTube Premium included

Which should you pick?

Choose Mixcloud if

  • You need dj mixes.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want podcasts.
Mixcloud review

Choose YouTube Music if

  • You need music streaming.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-speakers.
  • You also want music videos.
YouTube Music review

Questions people ask

Is Mixcloud or YouTube Music better?
Neither clearly leads. Mixcloud starts at Free and YouTube Music at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Mixcloud or YouTube Music?
Mixcloud starts at Free and YouTube Music at Free.
Does Mixcloud or YouTube Music run on more platforms?
Mixcloud runs on Web, Ios, Android. YouTube Music runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-speakers.
Can I use Mixcloud for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Mixcloud best used for?
Mixcloud is most often used for hosting dj mixes and radio shows on a licensed platform that pays artist royalties, live streaming dj sets without copyright takedowns, earning from listeners through tips and subscriptions. Of those, hosting dj mixes and radio shows on a licensed platform that pays artist royalties and live streaming dj sets without copyright takedowns are not what YouTube Music is typically brought in for.
What can Mixcloud do that YouTube Music cannot?
Mixcloud covers DJ mixes, Podcasts, Radio shows, Streaming. YouTube Music covers Music streaming, Music videos, Live performances, Personalization. Both handle Web support, Ios support, Android support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

YouTube Music: How much does YouTube Music Premium cost?

YouTube Music Premium costs $11.99 per month for individual subscriptions, $18.99 per month for family plans (up to 6 accounts), and $5.99 per month for students.

Source
YouTube Music: Does YouTube Music have a free tier?

Yes, YouTube Music offers a free version with access to music and music videos but includes occasional unskippable ads. Free users can create playlists and discover music but lack premium features like offline downloads.

Source
YouTube Music: What makes YouTube Music different from other streaming services?

YouTube Music uniquely provides access to official songs, music videos, live performances, remixes, and user-uploaded content not available on other platforms. Users can seamlessly switch between audio and official music videos.

Source
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Related pages

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