YouTube now lets users ‘Hum to Search’ using AI, service now available on Android, iOS devices

YouTube Music has introduced a new AI feature making it easier for users to find songs simply by humming a tune or singing a few lyrics.

This feature, dubbed ‘sound search’ or ‘hum to search,’ allows users to initiate their search by tapping on the search bar and clicking on a waveform symbol button.

This action opens a screen where users can hum or play a snippet of the song they are looking for, as reported by 9to5Google.

Initially launched for select Android users in May and then temporarily rolled back, the AI song recognition feature has now been officially rolled out globally for both Android and iOS users starting Monday, July 15.

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In addition to this new search capability, YouTube Music is reportedly testing another AI feature called conversational radio.

This feature, currently available only to select YouTube Premium users in the US, allows users to access customized radio stations based on descriptions of the type of music they want to hear. For example, users can request stations playing “catchy pop choruses” or “upbeat pop anthems.”

According to TechCrunch, the conversational radio feature appears as a card titled “Ask for music any way you like” on the home feed. Tapping on this card brings up a user interface screen where users can enter their desired music preferences or choose from suggested prompts.

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The integration of generative AI features into music streaming platforms like YouTube Music reflects a broader trend across online services.

Companies such as Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer are also exploring AI-driven technologies to enhance user experiences by creating personalized playlists based on individual music tastes.

These advancements enable users to interact more naturally with their music libraries, whether it’s searching for specific songs or discovering new music through tailored recommendations.