YouTube Music rolls out new features to help artists engage and reward fans
It could make streaming feel less passive, with countdowns, shout-outs, and even merch.
YouTube Music is cranking up the volume on fan engagement. At its Made On event this week, the platform announced three new features designed to pull superfans closer to their favourite artists, and give creators more ways to turn that energy into momentum (and maybe sales).
First up are release countdowns and pre-saves. Later this year, artists will be able to set timers for upcoming drops, displayed on album pages, artist profiles, and playlists. Think of it like a hype clock ticking down to release day—very much in the lane of Spotify’s Countdown Pages.
Then there are exclusive “thank you” videos. Starting early next year, YouTube says artists will be able to send personalised clips to their top fans, complete with behind-the-scenes content and other exclusives. The goal is simple: reward the listeners who stream you the most with something that feels like a private shout-out.
And then there’s the big one: merch. YouTube Music is piloting a program in the U.S. where fans can grab exclusive merchandise drops straight from artists. Spotify has been teasing its own “super fan” perks, rumoured to include VIP merch and experiences, but YouTube seems eager to stake its claim first.
The timing of these updates isn’t accidental. YouTube Music is celebrating its 10th anniversary, fresh off rolling out collaborative playlists, user badges, and album comments. Taken together, these moves point to a clear shift where streaming platforms aren’t just about serving up songs anymore, but engineering fandom.
Spotify may have the first-mover advantage in tools like Wrapped, but YouTube has something Spotify doesn’t: the massive gravitational pull of creators and merch-friendly video culture.
For artists, that means one more platform promising not just streams, but superfans. For listeners, it might mean that streaming an album now comes with a countdown clock, a thank-you message, and a limited-edition hoodie.
Emmanuel Umahi
