Google disputed a report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) stating the search giant is struggling to grow subscriber numbers on its music services.

The newspaper reported YouTube Music had amassed 16 million subscribers by end-March, but is now struggling to add more. It apparently enjoyed good uptake following a revamp in May 2018, but WSJ said growth has stagnated in recent months.

A Google representative told Mobile World Live the company “aggressively disputes the WSJ report stating YouTube Music subscription growth has plateaued”.

Indeed, “YouTube Music and Premium paid subscribers grew 60 per cent year-on-year from March 2018 to March 2019”, with “healthy subscription growth” during Q1.

Figures from rival Spotify show it had 100 million paying subscribers at end-March. Apple Music cited 50 million at end-December 2018.

WSJ noted the broader YouTube platform had attracted more than 2 billion users, but is struggling to generate revenue, “with a high number bailing out after free trials of its premium tiers”.