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Yes—YouTube Music ended its Canada-only free background-listening feature starting July 8, 2024. Free YouTube Music did not shut down: Canadians can still stream music with ads, but background playback for music now requires YouTube Music Premium or YouTube Premium. Most podcasts are an exception.
What changed in Canada?
The change was the end of a special free feature, not the end of YouTube Music. Before the rollback, eligible Canadian free users could listen to ad-supported, radio-style streams while switching apps or with their phone screen off. From July 8, 2024, free music playback reverted toward the standard experience: listening remains available with ads, but music stops when YouTube Music is no longer in the foreground.
The 2024 rollout report also said free users retained access to features including music videos, Samples, and made-for-you playlists and mixes. YouTube can change free-tier controls by account, app, region, or content, so treat that list as a description of the reported rollout rather than a permanent guarantee. (9to5Google’s report on the Canadian change)
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YouTube announced the Canadian feature on October 4, 2021, with the rollout scheduled to start November 3. It was an ad-supported, radio-like experience built around continuous stations and personalized mixes on shuffle—not a promise of unrestricted, free on-demand music playing in the background. Canada was the first country to receive it, and the arrangement was not expanded globally. (YouTube’s 2021 announcement)
#1 Best Overall
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
The rollback was reported on May 29, 2024, and began July 8. YouTube has not publicly explained the business or licensing reason for reversing the Canadian arrangement in the sources cited here. Claims that royalties, licensing costs, or competition caused it would be speculation.
Free versus paid: what to expect
| Feature | Free YouTube Music | Music Premium or YouTube Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Stream music | Yes, with ads and free-tier controls | Yes, without standard music ads |
| Music in the background or with screen off | No under the reverted model | Yes |
| On-demand selection | Reported as available in the changed free experience; controls may vary | Yes |
| Offline music downloads | No equivalent Premium music-download benefit | Yes |
| Most podcasts in the background | Generally yes | Yes |
| Music videos, Samples, and made-for-you mixes | Reported as remaining available, subject to current free-tier controls | Available, with Premium benefits |
YouTube’s current YouTube Music help page lists background play, ad-free listening, downloads, and audio-only mode among Music Premium benefits. It also says most podcasts can play in the background regardless of membership. “Most” matters: individual episodes or features may have restrictions, and Premium listeners may still hear promotions embedded by podcast creators.
Rank #2
- JBL Deep Bass Sound: Get the most from your mixes with high-quality audio from secure, reliable earbuds with 8mm drivers featuring JBL Deep Bass Sound
- Comfortable fit: The ergonomic, stick-closed design of the JBL Vibe Beam fits so comfortably you may forget you're wearing them. The closed design excludes external sounds, enhancing the bass performance
- Up to 32 (8h + 24h) hours of battery life and speed charging: With 8 hours of battery life in the earbuds and 24 in the case, the JBL Vibe Beam provide all-day audio. When you need more power, you can speed charge an extra two hours in just 10 minutes.
- Hands-free calls with VoiceAware: When you're making hands-free stereo calls on the go, VoiceAware lets you balance how much of your own voice you hear while talking with others
- Water and dust resistant: From the beach to the bike trail, the IP54-certified earbuds and IPX2 charging case are water and dust resistant for all-day experiences
Which membership restores background music?
- YouTube Music Premium: The direct choice if you mainly want music to keep playing when you switch apps or lock your phone, plus ad-free listening and downloads. Check the current Canadian offer at YouTube Music Premium checkout.
- YouTube Premium: Includes YouTube Music Premium, as well as benefits for regular YouTube such as ad-free viewing, video background play, and downloads. It may suit you better if you watch a lot of YouTube as well as listen to music. See YouTube Premium checkout and the Canadian membership details.
- Premium Lite: Not a replacement for Music Premium. YouTube says Lite’s background-play and download benefits cover most eligible non-music videos, not music content such as official music videos, Art Tracks, or other music-partner content. Lite also does not include YouTube Music Premium. Check YouTube’s Premium Lite terms.
Canadian prices and account-specific offers can change, so confirm the amount and plan terms at checkout instead of relying on an old price. Individual, annual, student, or family eligibility can vary by account. YouTube says individual annual prepaid plans are available in Canada; see its annual-plan information. Annual plans are prepaid and non-recurring, and generally cannot be paused or refunded.
What if you would rather use another music service?
Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music are reasonable alternatives to compare if YouTube’s free-tier limits do not suit you. Their Canadian plan terms, prices, free-tier playback rules, and device support can change; check each provider’s current offer before switching. Start with Spotify Canada, Apple Music Canada, or Amazon Music Canada.
Rank #3
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: With up to 50-hour battery life and quick charging, you’ll have enough power for multi-day road trips and long festival weekends.(USB Type-C Cable included)
- HIGH QUALITY SOUND: Great sound quality customizable to your music preference with EQ Custom on the Sony | Headphones Connect App.
- LIGHT & COMFORTABLE: The lightweight build and swivel earcups gently slip on and off, while the adjustable headband, cushion and soft ear pads give you all-day comfort.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR CALLS: A built-in microphone provides you with hands-free calling. No need to even take your phone from your pocket.
- MULTIPOINT CONNECTION: Quickly switch between two devices at once.
Compare the features you actually use: whether a free tier allows background playback and on-demand song choice, whether ads are acceptable, whether offline listening is included in a paid plan, and whether playlists or listening habits can be moved. Check CarPlay or Android Auto support for your specific phone, app, vehicle, and account before making that a deciding factor. Avoid assuming that a Prime membership includes the same catalog and features as Amazon Music Unlimited.
Exceptions and things that can cause confusion
- Podcasts: Most podcasts can generally play in the background without membership, according to YouTube’s help page. Podcast rules are not proof that free music background playback has returned.
- Uploaded tracks: YouTube’s 2021 announcement described uploaded songs as a separate case. Their behavior may differ from commercial catalog tracks; do not generalize it to all music.
- Videos versus audio tracks: A music video and an Art Track or audio recording may be treated differently, especially under Premium Lite. The specific content type matters.
- CarPlay and Android Auto: The 2024 rollout report said background play and music integrations with these systems required YouTube Premium or Music Premium. Device, operating-system, app, vehicle, account, and regional requirements can affect what works, so check current compatibility rather than treating that report as a guarantee for every setup.
- Travel and location: A different country may have a different product experience. YouTube says a membership should be used predominantly in the country where it was purchased and warns that misrepresenting location or circumventing regional restrictions may lead to cancellation. Do not rely on a VPN as a fix. See YouTube’s availability and location guidance.
- Unexpected audio after leaving the app: Brief continued playback can involve a podcast, casting, cached audio, or another account/device condition. It does not establish that free background music is generally available again.
Check your membership before subscribing
To confirm whether your account already has a paid plan, use YouTube’s membership page. If you subscribe, verify the price, renewal terms, and billing channel shown for your account; subscriptions started through an app store may be billed there. YouTube Music Premium is enough for Music app background playback. YouTube Premium is the broader option when regular YouTube benefits matter too.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you, creating a theater-like listening experience for music, TV shows, movies, games, and more.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — AirPods 4 feature the Apple-designed H2 chip. Voice Isolation improves the quality of phone calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
- LONG BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. And get up to 30 hours of total listening time using the case.*
Rank #4
- 65 Hours Playtime: Low power consumption technology applied, BERIBES bluetooth headphones with built-in 500mAh battery can continually play more than 65 hours, standby more than 950 hours after one fully charge. By included 3.5mm audio cable, the wireless headphones over ear can be easily switched to wired mode when powers off. No power shortage problem anymore.
- Optional 6 Music Modes: Adopted most advanced dual 40mm dynamic sound unit and 6 EQ modes, BERIBES updated headphones wireless bluetooth black were born for audiophiles. Simply switch the headphone between balanced sound, extra powerful bass and mid treble enhancement modes. No matter you prefer rock, Jazz, Rhythm & Blues or classic music, BERIBES has always been committed to providing our customers with good sound quality as the focal point of our engineering.
- All Day Comfort: Made by premium materials, 0.38lb BERIBES over the ear headphones wireless bluetooth for work are the most lightweight headphones in the market. Adjustable headband makes it easy to fit all sizes heads without pains. Softer and more comfortable memory protein earmuffs protect your ears in long term using.
- Latest Bluetooth 6.0 and Microphone: Carrying latest Bluetooth 6.0 chip, after booting, 1-3 seconds to quickly pair bluetooth. Beribes bluetooth headphones with microphone has faster and more stable transmitter range up to 33ft. Two smart devices can be connected to Beribes over-ear headphones at the same time, makes you able to pick up a call from your phones when watching movie on your pad without switching.（There are updates for both the old and new Bluetooth versions, but this will not affect the quality of the product or its normal use.）
- Packaging Component: Package include a Foldable Deep Bass Headphone, 3.5MM Audio Cable, Type-c Charging Cable and User Manual.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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