YOUTUBE TEASES NEW STREAMING SERVICE

It might be described as a soft launch. Shortly after noon East Coast time, YouTube posted a promo for its YouTube Music two-tiered streaming service, which you can check out below, along with a blog entry extolling the service’s virtues.

The headings will give you a basic idea of the pitch: “It’s ALL here. Recommendations built for you. Thousands of playlists across any genre, mood or activity (examples: Blogged 50, Indie Under Pressure). Smart search so we’ll find the song, even if you can’t remember what it’s called. The hottest videos. No internet? No problem.”

The big industry angle is the endorsement from WMG recorded-music chief Max Lousada in an email blasted to media by Rogers & Cowan:

“Music has helped attract a global audience of almost two billion to YouTube, so the potential prize here is huge,” Lousada enthuses. “The original way the service brings together music and video, as well as its big launch campaign, shows YouTube is making a commitment to subscription. It’s an important step in recognizing the power of artists, their music, and the value they create.”

Does this mean we can expect a preponderance of WMG acts in the initial marketing rollout? Looks that way. Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, the promo clip on YouTube is getting an impatiently enthusiastic response from users. Sample: “pls just release it!!!”