Yesterday, the WSJ reported that Google was planning to launch a music service in India to help users search for legal online streams and downloads and fight digital piracy, which reportedly runs rampant in the nation.
We’ve just gotten word that the service is now available at Google.co.in/music.
Update: official Google India blog post is up.
Currently only covering songs in Hindi, the music search engine promises that users can search for and instantly listen to thousands of full songs, which are delivered by Google’s partners in India (in.com, saavn and saregama).
Anyone can use the search engine, even outside India. Search results can be streamed instantly and free of charge in a pop-up Web player, and you can filter results based on singers, actors and release dates. There’s no option to purchase music directly.
Whether the initiative will effectively curb digital music piracy in India remains to be seen.
Disrupt 2026: The tech ecosystem, all in one room
Your next round. Your next hire. Your next breakout opportunity. Find it at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, where 10,000+ founders, investors, and tech leaders gather for three days of 250+ tactical sessions, powerful introductions, and market-defining innovation. Register now to save up to $400.
Save up to $300 or 30% to TechCrunch Founder Summit
1,000+ founders and investors come together at TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 for a full day focused on growth, execution, and real-world scaling. Learn from founders and investors who have shaped the industry. Connect with peers navigating similar growth stages. Walk away with tactics you can apply immediately
Offer ends March 13.
A year ago, Google launched a music search engine in the United States in partnership with MySpace/ iLike and Lala (the latter was shut down by Apple post-acquisition).
The main difference is that in the US, Google only plays previews for songs and not full tracks.
Another music search initiative from Google is live in China (see details here).
Finally, let’s not forget Google is also working on a genuine digital music store / locker service, which will likely be called Google Music.
(Thanks to Abhijeet Mukherjee for the heads up)
