Starting on July 8, free YouTube Music users in Canada will no longer have access to the exclusive ability to use background playback. This means that users will now need to subscribe to YouTube Music or YouTube Premium to enjoy this feature. Google is implementing this change as part of an overall update to YouTube Music, which also includes the requirement of a subscription for Apple Carplay and Android Auto integration.

Despite these changes, Google is introducing some new perks to YouTube Music’s free tier. Users will soon be able to enjoy on-demand music, music video streams, access to the Samples tab, and more. Currently, the free tier only allows for shuffle playback.

According to reports from Reddit users, those on the free plan have been notified of these upcoming changes by YouTube. The message states that starting July 8, users will have access to on-demand music, music videos, new features like the Samples tab, and personalized playlists and mixes—all for free with ads.

In 2021, Google tested the background playback feature in Canada but now seems to be rolling back this offering without a clear explanation. While some users may be disappointed by this change, it’s worth noting that new features are being added to enhance the free streaming experience.

Stay tuned for more updates on YouTube Music as Google continues to refine its platform and offerings for users across Canada. Subscribe today for uninterrupted access to your favorite music and videos on-the-go!