Both of Google’s dedicated music apps might be combining into one as Google bring the YouTube Music and Google Play Music teams together.

According to the infamous “sources familiar with this thing”, Verge have reported that YouTube Music and Google Play Music’s product teams have been combined into one team. This move has opened up suggestions that the two services may also be combined into one offering.

Their existence alongside each other has been confusing for many as they’re both free music apps from Google that are enhanced with premium features through YouTube Red. The business development teams for both were combined last year to simplify artist relations and deal negotiations but this move suggests something bigger than just streamlining.

A Google spokesperson confirmed the news and spoke to the Verge, saying: “Music is very important to Google and we’re evaluating how to bring together our music offerings to deliver the best possible product for our users, music partners and artists. Nothing will change for users today and we’ll provide plenty of notice before any changes are made.”

Though this means it could be a while before we see any significant changes to either service regarding their bundling together, it suggests that there will be changes to come. With streaming services getting ever-more competitive Google will likely want to offer the best possible streaming service they can and by simplifying their services and bringing it all into one app they would have a much more substantial product to entice users into.

Whilst both apps are similar YouTube Music works from YouTube videos with music and operates with a similar autoplay function to it’s normal site, allowing an endless stream of similar and recommended music. Google Play Music on the other hand is much like a regular streaming service with the option to go to YouTube for music videos. Bringing both app’s unique advantages together would be a no-brainer.