YouTube Music is positioning itself not only as a streaming service but also as a community-driven platform that connects fans and artists more directly. While video premieres and live concerts exist on YouTube, YouTube Music lacks an intimate “fan-artist” engagement feature that focuses on audio-first interaction.

Imagine the YouTube Music product team exploring a new “Artist Radio Live” concept: a feature where artists can host live audio sessions (similar to radio call-ins or Twitter Spaces) and fans can join, listen, and even ask questions. This would serve as a natural extension of the existing “Radio” playlists while providing artists with new ways to interact with fans.

• Increase daily active engagement within YouTube Music beyond passive listening.

• Provide artists with direct community-building tools inside the platform.

• Differentiate YouTube Music from Spotify and Apple Music by leaning into YouTube’s strength in fan–creator connection.

• Primary: Music superfans who already follow specific artists and want exclusive ways to engage.

• Secondary: Casual listeners who may stumble into a live session while browsing artist radios.

How can YouTube Music integrate an audio-first fan meeting feature in a way that feels lightweight, intuitive, and seamlessly connected to existing listening flows—without overwhelming users or overcomplicating the app?

Design the UI and lightweight flow for how a user discovers, joins, and participates in an Artist Radio Live session. Consider:

• Where and how does the user discover that an artist is live?

• What does the live session interface look like (while listening)?

• How can fans request to ask questions or interact?

• What happens after the live ends (e.g., playback, archive)?

• Keep the scope focused on the fan experience only (not the artist tools).

• Must feel native to YouTube Music’s existing visual and interaction patterns.

• Audio is the primary medium — avoid turning it into a video/live-stream clone.