For users of YouTube Music, the frustration of its limited integration with Alexa has been a common challenge. While platforms like Spotify and Apple Music seamlessly sync with Alexa, YouTube Music requires a different approach.
In this guide, we'll explore how to add YouTube Music to Alexa using ViWizard YouTube Music Converter and iBroadcast. By the end, you'll have found a smooth and efficient way to play YouTube Muisc on Alexa with voice commands, overcoming the challenges of the lack of native integration.
Part 1. Can Alexa Play YouTube Music?
No, but also yes. If you are looking for a native, one-click solution to link youtube music to alexa as your primary music provider, you will find that it is not officially supported. Unlike Spotify or Apple Music, there is no official youtube music skill for alexa available in the Amazon Skill Store.
Why Does Alexa Not Support YouTube Music?
The primary reason is the corporate rivalry between Amazon Alexa and YouTube Music (Google). Because they compete in the smart home and streaming markets, they haven't created a seamless integration. That's why you can't just head into your settings and set YouTube Music as your default service on Alexa.
The Workaround for YouTube Music on Alexa
Right now, there are two main ways to get YouTube Music playing on your Alexa device:
- Using Bluetooth: You can pair your phone, tablet, or computer with Alexa via Bluetooth and stream YouTube Music. This works with any Alexa-enabled device but requires your device to be nearby and connected.
- Using third-party services like iBroadcast: You can use certain apps to host your audio files from YouTube Music and play them through Alexa. To do this, try ViWizard YouTube Music Converter to download any music from YouTube Music.
In this guide, we'll walk you through both methods and show you how to make YouTube Music play on Alexa more seamlessly.
Part 2. How to Download YouTube Music for Alexa Playback
Since there is no native youtube music skill for alexa, the most reliable way to gain full voice control over your library is to download your music and host it yourself. By converting your favorite tracks into local files, you can then upload these files to iBroadcast and play YouTube Music on Alexa using voice commands.
The Essential Tool: ViWizard YouTube Music Converter
ViWizard YouTube Music Converter lets you download songs, albums, playlists, and podcasts from YouTube Music and save them in popular audio formats like MP3, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, M4A, and M4B. These formats work seamlessly with music management services and smart speakers, including Amazon Alexa.
Download music from 10 popular streaming platforms like YouTube Music and save it in formats like MP3, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, M4A, or M4B while keeping the original sound quality.
Step 1 Configure Output Format for Alexa/iBroadcast
Launch the ViWizard converter. Open the Menu > Preferences > Conversion tab. Select MP3 as the output format. MP3 is universally supported by both iBroadcast and Amazon Alexa. Choose an output folder to store the converted files. Click OK to save the settings.
Step 2 Access YouTube Music within ViWizard
On the main screen, click the YouTube Music icon to open the integrated web player. Sign in to your YouTube Music account. This grants access to all your personal playlists and saved music.
Step 3 Select Music for Download
Browse your library and open the specific song, playlist or album you want to download. Click the Add (+) button. Select the individual songs or the entire playlist, then click Add to List.
Step 4 Convert YouTube Music to Alexa-Supported Audio Files
Click the Convert button to start downloading the tracks. Once complete, click the folder icon to locate your newly created local music files. These files are now ready to be uploaded to iBroadcast.
Part 3. How to Add YouTube Music to Alexa via iBroadcast
After you've downloaded your tracks with ViWizard, the next step is to connect YouTube Music to Alexa by hosting those files in the cloud. iBroadcast serves as the link that lets you play YouTube Music on Alexa with complete voice control.
Step 1 Upload Downloaded YouTube Music to iBroadcast
iBroadcast has no limit on the total storage for uploaded music, so go ahead and add your entire music playlist or even more!
- Go to the iBroadcast Website and create a free account.
- In the iBroadcast web interface, hit "Add Music" on the left sidebar.
- Drag and drop the MP3/FLAC files you converted using ViWizard into the upload area.
- Click on "Upload [number] Files" to confirm your upload.
- Then, just sit back and wait for the upload to complete.
Step 2Enable the iBroadcast Skill in the Alexa App
- Open the Alexa app on your phone or tablet.
- Tap More in the bottom menu, then select Skills & Games.
- Search for iBroadcast and tap Enable to Use.
- When prompted, sign in with your iBroadcast account to link it with Alexa.
Step 3Set iBroadcast as the Default Music Service (Optional)
To avoid saying "on iBroadcast" every time, you can set it as your default music service.
- In the Alexa app, go to Settings > Music & Podcasts.
- Tap Default Services and choose iBroadcast under the music section.
Part 4. How to Play YouTube Music on Alexa
If you want a hands-free experience with voice commands, iBroadcast is the best option. If you just want quick playback without extra setup, Bluetooth streaming also works, but with limited control. Below are both methods explained in detail.
Option 1. Play YouTube Music on Alexa Using Voice Commands via iBroadcast
After linking your account, Alexa will automatically sync your iBroadcast library. You can now use voice commands to play your YouTube Music tracks, no phone required.
Try commands like:
- "Alexa, ask iBroadcast to play my music."
- "Alexa, ask iBroadcast to play the album [Album Name]."
- "Alexa, ask iBroadcast to play [Song Name] by [Artist]."
- "Alexa, ask iBroadcast to shuffle my library."
Alexa will stream music directly from your iBroadcast library. This method works across all Alexa-enabled devices and supports continuous playback, playlists, and basic music controls like pause, skip, and volume.
Option 2. Play YouTube Music on Alexa via Bluetooth (No Voice Commands)
- Say, "Alexa, pair Bluetooth."
- Open the Bluetooth settings on your phone, tablet, or computer and connect it to your Alexa device.
- Once connected, open the YouTube Music app and start playing any song.
This method is quick and easy, but you can't use voice commands like "Alexa, play [Song Name]" since Alexa can't access your phone's app. You'll need to use your phone to skip tracks or change artists. However, you can still use basic playback commands like "Alexa, stop," "Alexa, pause," or "Alexa, volume up."
Conclusion
With ViWizard YouTube Music Converter, iBroadcast, and Alexa, you can now enjoy YouTube Music on Alexa effortlessly. Simply ask Alexa to play your favorite songs, albums, or playlists from your YouTube Music library, and experience seamless, high-quality playback thanks to this easy and reliable setup.
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Matt Smith, a digital entertainment industry enthusiast at ViWizard, is dedicated to providing insightful commentary and solutions for music and media-related topics, including industry trends, analysis, and recommendations.
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