We’re all living in the era of digital music. Today, using a streaming platform has become an essential part of the lives of all people around the globe. That’s how we consume music. Things like Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music are the dominants in the niche, that’s for sure. But the reality is that the cyber world offers a great variety of other options. There are so many music streaming platforms that are actually underrated yet deserve some spotlight. There’s no doubt that these less-known platforms can’t boast of having tons of subscribers; however, they do have a range of benefits and unique features that you’re welcome to avail of anytime. In this article, we will take a look at some of these sources and talk about how to choose the best music streaming platform for your specific melomaniac needs.
Music Streaming Platforms: Underrated but Cool
Before you choose your personal best online music streaming service, browse some of the platforms that aren’t as popular as the giants given above. There’s no doubt you will find a decent alternative to something you have used before.
1. Tidal
Tidal usually stays in the shadow of its larger opponents. Yet, the platform made its mark by providing high-fidelity sound quality and exclusive content from the top names in the field of music. When searching the top-quality music, Tidal can work for you.
2. Deezer
A globally recognized music streaming service, Deezer is a vast collection of podcasts, songs, and playlists. The so-called “Flow” – one of the key standout features of the platform – creates personalized playlists based on the listening preferences of the users. What is more, the platform provides an extensive catalog of both independent and internationally famous artists.
3. Pandora
Through its Music Genome Project, Pandora offers a unique approach to the process of music discovery. The platform analyzes the tunes based on the musical attributes of each. As a result, you are provided with recommendations that include characteristics similar to the songs you like. Thus, the platform is a superb option for those on the lookout for new tunes.
4. Qobuz
Pretty similar to Tidal above, this platform is the audio streaming source for those looking for high-resolution options. Users are welcome to use an extensive catalog of hi-res and CD-quality music. Excellent haven for audiophiles looking the tunes of the finest quality.
5. YouTube Music
This one isn’t really obscure. At the same time, the platform still remains in the shadow of its parent – YouTube video platform. But the reality is that YouTube Music has a wide assortment of live music performances, videos, and tons of user-produced content together with a rich collection of songs.
6. Bandcamp
Since 2007, Bandcamp has been used as an online music streaming platform and music store. Providing direct access to the works of independent artists, the platform offers a model based on the pay-as-much-as-you-can philosophy. To cut the long story, users can download music for free or pay the sum of money they choose. At the same time, Bandcamp has the so-called music discovery feature, where everyone can browse and discover tunes on the basis of their tastes.
7. SoundCloud
Created in 2007, the music streaming service offers a unique space for independent artists where they can share and promote their works. You are welcome to use a free subscription tier that enables you to upload and stream tunes. At the same time, SoundCloud has a subscription tier known as SoundCloud Go. The latter is about ad-free listening, an opportunity to listen to tracks offline, as well as access to some exclusive music.
8. Nugs.net
One of the undervalued streaming platforms, Nugs.net, is focused on live show recordings and performances. At Nugs.net, users find loads of content from artists who are hardly known or singers with the world’s popularity.
9. Gaana
Gaana is the place where music fans of artists from South Indian countries find the tunes up to their preferences. The platform provides access to various radio shows and includes podcasts. At the same time, you’re welcome to enjoy curated playlists and recommendations chosen on the basis of your music tastes.
How to Choose the Best Music Streaming Service
In an era brimming with endless musical possibilities, picking the best streaming platform on the web can be quite a challenge. Let’s face the truth – the heavyweights in the niche tend to hook most users. However, you are sure to find your perfect music spot if you make sure to follow the simple recommendations given below.
- Know your unique music tastes. The reality is that different streaming platforms have loads of online catalogs. Some are focused on specific genres, while others provide access to tunes from particular regions. Take all your music preferences into consideration, and ensure to go for the music source that has a list of tunes that can satisfy your tastes.
- Consider music quality. It matters! If you are a real audiophile, your priority should be the platform with high-fidelity or lossless audio. Qobuz or Tidal, mentioned above, could be an option.
- Content discovery & personalization. Are you a fan of looking for new tunes? In that case, it is recommended to focus on the service that has some robust recommendation algorithms. Deezer or Pandora offer personalized playlists and provide recommendations that you’re definitely going to enjoy.
- Platform integration. If you have already chosen a particular ecosystem (Google, Apple, Amazon, and so on.) for your needs, picking the service that will perfectly integrate with all the devices and apps that you deal with will 100% guarantee a nice music experience.
- Unique content. Some platforms like Tidal provide exclusive content and unique releases that you will never find anywhere else. Are you crazy about a certain singer or genre in general? If yes, this is a crucial factor.
- Money. The question of pricing is usually one of the most important for most users. If you’re a student living on a budget, you have tons of stuff to pay for from a professional annotated bibliography writer to help you with homework, clothes, and other stuff. It is essential to compare the existing plans here and there to see if any discounts for students are available. A lot of streaming platforms provide free tiers with ads, while others happen to be based on subscription only.
- Trial periods. Benefit from the trial periods that let you test the chosen service before you proceed to the payment option. Thus, you will see if the service complies with your demands.
- Social features. Do you like sharing songs with friends? Pick the services that enable its users to share tunes. That way, you will always be able to discover new tracks and enjoy other benefits of community features.
- Offline access & cross-device compatibility. Those users who have limited data or are on the go most of the time should go for the options with offline listening. Plus, you need to ensure the chosen streaming platform is compatible with your gadget (all of them!).
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Finally, the diverse universe of music streaming options is broader than we know. Together with the famous options, you have unlimited access to less-known services that can also cater to your unique preferences and tastes. By taking into account your tastes and needs, you will definitely find the platform that will guarantee the best possible experience, either for free or for a pocket-friendly price.
