How to Install YouTube Music on Linux Mint Easily

Streaming music has become a central part of our daily routines, and YouTube Music offers a vast library of songs, playlists, and personalized recommendations. While it doesn’t have an official Linux app, you can still access YouTube Music seamlessly on Linux Mint through a few straightforward methods. This guide will walk you through how to install and run YouTube Music on Linux Mint, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite tunes without hassle. Before starting, make sure your system is up-to-date and you have a stable internet connection. No additional paid software is necessary for basic use, but some methods might require a web browser or third-party tools.

What You’ll Need

• Linux Mint installed and updated to the latest version
• Web browser (Firefox, Chrome, or Chromium)
• Internet connection
• (Optional) Flatpak or Snap support if using containerized apps

Step-by-Step

1. Update Your System: Open a terminal and run sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade to ensure all packages are current. This helps prevent compatibility issues later.
2. Choose Your Method: You can access YouTube Music via your web browser or create a dedicated app-like experience using tools like WebApp Manager or third-party wrappers. For simplicity, we’ll focus on creating a desktop app using WebApp Manager.
3. Install WebApp Manager: If you prefer a dedicated app, install WebApp Manager by running:
   sudo apt install webapp-manager. If not available, you can install via Flatpak or use Chrome’s ‘Create Shortcut’ feature.
4. Create a YouTube Music Web App: Open your preferred browser and navigate to music.youtube.com. Once loaded, access your browser’s menu and select ‘Install’ or ‘Create Shortcut’ (this varies by browser). For Chrome:
   • Click the three dots in the top-right corner
   • Select ‘More tools’ > ‘Create shortcut…’
   • Name it ‘YouTube Music’
   • Check ‘Open as window’ for a standalone app experience
   • Click ‘Create’
5. Launch Your YouTube Music App: Find the new shortcut in your application menu or desktop. Launch it to open YouTube Music in a window that feels like a native app, separate from your browser.
6. Optional: Use WebApp Manager for Better Integration: Launch WebApp Manager, add a new web app, and specify https://music.youtube.com as the URL. Customize the icon and name as desired. Save and launch from your app menu for a more integrated experience.
7. Sign In and Enjoy: Log into your Google account within the app or browser window. You’re now ready to enjoy YouTube Music on Linux Mint.

Common Mistakes

• Using the wrong URL or not logging in properly, which prevents access to personalized playlists
• Creating a shortcut that opens in a full browser window instead of a standalone app
• Forgetting to set ‘Open as window’ during shortcut creation, resulting in a tab or browser window
• Not updating your system before installation, causing compatibility issues with dependencies
• Ignoring browser permissions or pop-up blockers that interfere with shortcut creation

Tips

• Use Chromium or Chrome for better support when creating web app shortcuts
• Customize the app icon for easier identification through WebApp Manager or shortcut settings
• Keep your browser and system updated for security and compatibility
• Consider using a dedicated desktop launcher for quick access
• Clear cache and cookies if you encounter login or playback issues

Troubleshooting

• App not opening or crashing: Restart your system, ensure your browser is up-to-date, and recreate the shortcut. Try clearing browser cache.
• Login issues: Verify your credentials, disable any browser extensions that block cookies, or try incognito mode.
• Audio not playing: Check your system’s sound settings, ensure your browser has permission to access audio, and restart the app.
• App not appearing in menu: Manually add the shortcut to your application menu or desktop, or reinstall the web app.
• Lag or buffering: Ensure a stable internet connection, close other bandwidth-heavy applications, and consider disabling browser extensions that may interfere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I listen to YouTube Music offline on Linux Mint?

Official offline listening is not supported through the web app. You need an Android or iOS device or use third-party tools for offline downloads.

Is there an official YouTube Music desktop app for Linux?

No, Google has not released an official Linux app. The web method is the best alternative.

Can I run YouTube Music in a browser or do I need a separate app?

You can run it in any modern browser. Creating a dedicated app via shortcuts or WebApp Manager provides a better experience.

Will this method work on other Linux distributions?

Yes, the process is similar on other distributions like Ubuntu or Fedora, with minor adjustments based on package managers.

How do I update my YouTube Music app shortcut?

Simply recreate the shortcut or update the URL in your WebApp Manager if you used that tool.

Are there any privacy concerns with using web apps?

Web apps use your browser’s cookies and permissions, so ensure your browser’s security settings are configured to your preference.

By following these steps, tips, and troubleshooting advice, you can enjoy YouTube Music on your Linux Mint system with ease. Whether through a browser shortcut or a dedicated web app, accessing your favorite tunes has never been simpler on Linux.

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