I Enhance My YouTube Music Experience Using These Desktop Applications
- Jayric Maning
- Jun 21
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 8
YouTube Music has yet to launch an official desktop application. Although the web version is accessible via a browser, it appears cumbersome and lacks the refinement anticipated from a dedicated music player. Fortunately, the community has provided three complimentary third-party alternatives that enhance the YouTube Music experience.
YTMDesktop emerged as one of the initial prominent solutions, establishing itself as the preferred option for numerous consumers desiring a straightforward YouTube Music desktop experience. The program encapsulates YouTube Music's online experience within a polished, native-like platform that operates autonomously in your browser.
I truly value YTMDesktop's pragmatic approach. The creators prioritized essential functionality above superfluous features. The media key support functions properly, allowing the keyboard's play, pause, and skip keys to interface flawlessly with the application. Desktop notifications appear as songs change, providing a true desktop music player experience that may be lacking in the web version.
Moreover, minimizing YTMDesktop to your system tray allows your music to continue playing in the background, as is expected of a proper desktop music program. The integrated lyrics feature sufficiently encompasses all the functionalities I generally utilize in the YouTube Music online application.
As an individual lacking specialized media keys on my keyboard, I find it undesirable that YTMDesktop's keybindings are applicable system-wide. There appears to be no automated method to suspend or deactivate these keybindings while the application is inactive or out of focus. If I designate my spacebar as the play/pause button, I can no longer utilize it for typing in other applications.
Nonetheless, this is not a significant issue provided that you utilize key combinations that are exclusive, such as: Ctrl + Spacebar for play/pause, Ctrl + arrow keys for volume adjustment, or Ctrl + U for thumbs up. While it is possible to configure a custom volume hotkey on Windows, utilizing the YTMDesktop application streamlines the procedure.
YTMDesktop functions as a robust desktop substitute for the YouTube Music web application. While it appears to provide limited additional functionality compared to installing YouTube Music as a Progressive Web App (PWA), YTMDesktop distinguishes itself by delivering a more cohesive desktop experience, particularly through its dependable media key support, refined taskbar controls, and background playback that feels more seamless than a browser-based alternative.
The Custom YouTube Music Desktop application, created by th-ch on GitHub, adopts a distinct methodology by transforming YouTube Music into a plugin-enhanced platform. This is not merely a basic interface for YouTube Music. Rather, it is a comprehensive desktop application that enables you to personalize practically every facet of your auditory experience.
The plugin system is where this application distinctly excels in my experience. Upon initial use, a pre-installed ad blocker is provided that eradicates all YouTube advertisements without necessitating any configuration. The downloader plugin enables the direct saving of tunes as MP3 files via the interface, which I have found exceptionally convenient for offline listening. These two attributes alone warrant the utilization of this application over the conventional web version.
This application offers numerous more plugins for activation. In my testing, the SponsorBlock integration automatically bypassed non-musical segments of music videos, such as extended intros or outros that disrupt the listening experience. The Discord Rich Presence plugin displays your current activity to pals, enhancing the social aspect of your music experience. The Crossfade plugin facilitates seamless transitions between tracks, enhancing the professional quality of your playlists.
I appreciate the extensive visual modification options provided by the accessible plugins. The Album Color Theme plugin alters the app's appearance in real-time according to the color palette of the current album. The Ambient Mode plugin generates nuanced lighting effects that transcend the application window, transforming your entire screen into a visual extension of your music.
The Equalizer plugin offers comprehensive audio control for streamers, while the OBS integration plugins facilitate the display of current track information during broadcasts.
The app retains YouTube Music's original UI while incorporating numerous upgrades. This indicates that there is no necessity to reacquaint yourself with navigating your music library.
The sole disadvantage of this functionality is the increased complexity. The app consumes more system resources than simpler alternatives due to the multitude of plugins and other functionality operating in the background. Activating unfamiliar features may lead to uncertainty over the player's status. This is not inherently the application's problem. Provided you adhere to plugins you comprehend, it should not pose an issue.
Venipa's YouTube Music Desktop App achieves a balance between simplicity and functionality, emphasizing a quality music experience with well curated upgrades. This application offers a satisfactory YouTube Music experience, incorporating various additional functions without becoming excessive.
The prominent feature is the comprehensive Last.fm scrobbling integration, which autonomously monitors your listening behaviors and constructs your music profile. This facilitates the discovery of new songs on YouTube Music. Nonetheless, it is only genuinely beneficial if you are already using Last.fm for music exploration or its social functionalities. I successfully signed into my Last.fm account without any difficulties, and it synchronized effortlessly with the desktop application.
In addition to the Last.fm integration, the application offers additional useful features such as Discord Rich Presence, enabling you to share your current track with pals. The mini-player offers a streamlined interface for managing playback without occupying extensive screen space with the larger application. I particularly appreciate that the mini-player includes a feature to remain always on top, which is advantageous for multitasking.
If you possess greater technical proficiency than I do, you may also value its custom CSS support, which enables you to customize the application's design. The OBS integration encompasses browser source files and appropriate API endpoints, facilitating the display of current track information during streaming.
Venipa's application is robust overall. Regrettably, with thorough testing and several sign-ins, accessing my YouTube account was successful just approximately fifty percent of the time. Upon investigation, it seems that electron-based applications, such as this one, are presently encountering difficulties with Google authentication. A recent update (version 0.17.1) was issued to resolve the issue. While it did not completely cure the issue in my situation, it at least demonstrates that the devs are actively pursuing a solution.
My Individual Endorsement
Upon thorough evaluation of all three alternatives, I suggest Custom YouTube Music Desktop primarily due to its vast plugin system. The integrated ad blocker alone renders it valuable; nevertheless, the capacity to download tunes, bypass sponsor parts, and personalize the visual interface elevates YouTube Music beyond the conventional web version.
YTMDesktop is a reliable option for anyone seeking a functional desktop application for YouTube Music. This is particularly applicable if your keyboard is equipped with specialized media keys. However, even in the absence of that, you can still employ key combinations like I have done.
I would recommend postponing the use of Venipa's YouTube Music Desktop App until it undergoes additional development. The Last.fm integration is attractive; nevertheless, authentication problems hinder its use as the primary method for accessing YouTube Music, unless one opts not to sign in. The project appears promising; nevertheless, version 0.17.1 seems premature for dependable daily utilization.
In summary, whether you seek simplicity or desire further flexibility, these desktop applications demonstrate that the YouTube Music community is replete with innovative alternatives. Try one and ultimately relish your preferred music directly from your desktop.
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