Our verdict: YTMDesktop puts YouTube Music in its own window with media keys, shortcuts and Discord status. It is an unofficial community project, not a Google product, so features can break when YouTube Music changes.
About YouTube Music Desktop App
Google does not make a Windows app for YouTube Music. YTMDesktop is an independent open-source project that wraps the YouTube Music website in a desktop app and adds features the browser version lacks. It is not affiliated with Google or YouTube.
You sign in with your Google account, and your YouTube Music library, playlists and subscription work as on the web; YouTube Music Premium is still needed for ad-free playback. The app adds media key support, custom keyboard shortcuts, Discord Rich Presence and a companion remote control app for your phone.
What it does well
- Media keys. Control playback with keyboard media keys while you work in other apps.
- Discord Rich Presence. Show friends what you are listening to on Discord.
- Remote control. Control playback from your phone with the companion app.
- Custom shortcuts. Assign global hotkeys to playback actions.
- Lower overhead than a browser tab. Runs YouTube Music in a dedicated window instead of a full browser.
Who it is for
Good fit
YouTube Music listeners who want a separate desktop window with media keys and Discord integration.
Look elsewhere
People who prefer official apps only, and users who want ad-free playback without YouTube Music Premium.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free and open source
- Media keys and global shortcuts
- Discord status and phone remote
Cons
- Unofficial: not supported by Google
- Can break when YouTube Music changes its website
- Ads still play without YouTube Music Premium
How to install YouTube Music Desktop App
Download the Windows installer from ytmdesktop.app, which links to the project's GitHub releases. Sign in with your Google account inside the app. Another popular unofficial client, Pear Desktop (formerly th-ch/youtube-music), adds ad blocking and plugins but is a separate project.
Questions about YouTube Music Desktop App
Is YouTube Music Desktop App free?
Yes. It is open source under the GNU GPL v3. YouTube Music Premium is a separate paid Google subscription.
Is YTMDesktop an official Google app?
No. It is an independent community project and is not affiliated with Google or YouTube.
Is there an official YouTube Music app for Windows?
Google offers YouTube Music on the web; on Windows you can install the website as an app from Chrome or Edge, or use an unofficial client like this one.
