Apple Music has made it easier for users to switch between streaming platforms with the launch of a new feature that enables them to transfer their playlists to YouTube Music. This new feature allows users to seamlessly transition their music library to a different platform, eliminating the hassle of recreating playlists from scratch. However, there are limitations to what can be transferred, and the process involves specific steps and considerations.

How to Transfer Playlists From Apple Music to YouTube Music

Transferring playlists from Apple Music to YouTube Music is a straightforward process. To initiate the transfer, users must first navigate to Apple’s Data and Privacy page and sign in using their Apple ID. They can then select the “Transfer a copy of your data” option, where they will be prompted to sign in to their YouTube Music account. Once logged in, the transfer process will begin, with Apple sending email notifications to the addresses associated with the user’s Apple ID to update them on the progress.

Users have the flexibility to track the transfer’s progress or cancel it entirely from the same Data and Privacy page. Once the transfer is complete, Apple will send a confirmation email notifying users that their playlists are available on YouTube Music. The transferred playlists can be found under the Library tab in YouTube Music, providing users with convenient access to their music.

Limitations of the Transfer Feature

While the ability to transfer playlists is a valuable addition for Apple Music users, the feature comes with certain limitations. It’s essential to understand what can and cannot be transferred to avoid disappointment:

Playlist Types That Can Be Transferred:

• Individual playlists: This includes playlists created by the user, whether they are public, private, or collaborative.
• Collaborative playlists: Playlists created in collaboration with other users can also be transferred.

Playlist Types That Cannot Be Transferred:

• Uploaded music files: The feature does not support the transfer of audio files uploaded by users, such as local music collections or music purchased from other platforms.
• Shared playlists (non-collaborative): Playlists shared with other users, but not collaboratively owned, are not included in the transfer process.
• Curated playlists: Apple Music’s curated playlists, like those created by the Apple Music editorial team, cannot be transferred.
• Organizational folders: Users’ custom folders that group their playlists within Apple Music are not transferable to YouTube Music.
• Audio files like podcasts, audiobooks, and user-uploaded content: Any audio files other than music, including podcasts, audiobooks, or user-uploaded audio, are not transferred.

Song Availability:

It is important to note that while most songs can be transferred, songs available solely on YouTube Music can be included in the transfer. This implies that any songs that are not accessible on YouTube Music may not be transferred to the new platform.

Understanding Post-Transfer Implications

After transferring playlists to YouTube Music, users should be aware of the following considerations:

Changes to Playlists:

Any changes made to a playlist after it is transferred will not be reflected in the YouTube Music version. Users who modify a playlist in Apple Music will need to manually update the playlist in YouTube Music as well.

Cancellation of Transfer:

Canceling the transfer will leave the playlist on YouTube Music, allowing users to access the transferred content.

Take Away Points

The introduction of the playlist transfer feature offers Apple Music users a convenient way to switch to YouTube Music without having to recreate their playlists from scratch. While this feature has the potential to save users time and effort, it is crucial to remember the limitations in terms of the types of content that can be transferred.

Users should be mindful that not all music files or playlists will be included in the transfer, and they may need to manually make adjustments to their YouTube Music playlists following the transfer. Nevertheless, for users looking to switch streaming services while retaining their favorite playlists, the transfer feature represents a valuable solution, providing a smoother and more efficient transition.