YouTube Music has steadily evolved into one of the most popular music streaming services globally, competing with the likes of Spotify and Apple Music. One of the ways users interact with the app outside of official app stores is through APK files—particularly when needing a specific version or architecture. One such build is com.google.android.apps.youtube.music
version 8.05.51, optimized for arm64-v8a architecture.
In this article, we’ll break down what this version offers, what the architecture means, and whether downloading this APK is worth it.
📦 What is com.google.android.apps.youtube.music APK?
The com.google.android.apps.youtube.music
package is the identifier for the official YouTube Music app on Android. It is published by Google LLC and available via the Google Play Store. However, APK files of various versions are often available on mirror sites for manual installation, useful in the following scenarios:
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Your device is not compatible with the latest update.
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You want to downgrade due to bugs or unwanted changes.
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You’re sideloading onto a device without access to the Play Store.
🔢 About Version 8.05.51
Released in early 2024, version 8.05.51 of YouTube Music brought various under-the-hood improvements. Here are its highlights:
✅ Key Features:
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Improved Playback Controls: Better user experience in the Now Playing screen with redesigned buttons.
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Faster Loading Times: Reduced lag in loading recommendations and playlists.
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Minor UI Tweaks: Adjustments in the Explore tab for better discoverability of genres and moods.
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Bug Fixes & Stability Improvements: Resolved crashing issues that affected some users in earlier versions.
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Better Offline Experience: Enhanced the auto-downloads and smart downloads algorithm.
Note: Google typically rolls out A/B tests, so not all features may be visible to every user.
⚙️ What is arm64-v8a Architecture?
The arm64-v8a is a CPU architecture used in most modern smartphones. It’s an advanced 64-bit instruction set that allows for better performance and energy efficiency.
🔍 Why Does Architecture Matter?
APK files are often compiled for different architectures:
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arm64-v8a – Modern devices (64-bit)
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armeabi-v7a – Older 32-bit devices
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x86/x86_64 – Emulators and some Intel-powered devices
If you download the wrong architecture, the app may crash or not install. That’s why knowing your device’s specs is essential before downloading any APK.
🧰 How to Safely Install YouTube Music 8.05.51 (arm64-v8a)
If you’re looking to manually install this version, follow these steps:
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Enable Unknown Sources:
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Go to
Settings > Security
and toggle on “Install from Unknown Sources”.
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Download the APK:
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Use a trusted APK mirror site like APKMirror or APKPure.
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Ensure you download the arm64-v8a variant of version 8.05.51.
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Check the File:
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Confirm the file is not corrupted.
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Use tools like VirusTotal to scan the APK.
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Install the APK:
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Tap the file and follow the prompts to install.
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Launch YouTube Music and log in.
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🔐 Is It Safe to Use APKs?
Yes, but with caution. APKs from unofficial sources can be modified to include malicious code. To stay safe:
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Only use reputable APK repositories.
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Avoid modified APKs unless you trust the developer.
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Scan the file with antivirus tools before installation.
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Disable “Install from Unknown Sources” after use.
📱 Devices Compatible with arm64-v8a
The following popular devices are compatible with the arm64-v8a version:
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Google Pixel Series (Pixel 3 and above)
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Samsung Galaxy S10, S20, S21, S22, S23 series
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OnePlus 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 series
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Xiaomi Mi and Redmi devices with Snapdragon 600+ series
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Motorola, Realme, Vivo, Oppo with newer chipsets
🔄 Alternatives: Use Older/Newer Versions?
🟢 Use v8.05.51 If:
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You want a balance of stability and speed.
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You’re on a mid-range device that runs better with older versions.
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You prefer UI before major YouTube Music overhauls.
🔴 Avoid If:
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You need the latest features like Material You dynamic theming or integration with new Android updates.
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You’re on a brand-new device that performs better with the latest versions.
In that case, consider using YouTube Music 8.20+ or the latest Play Store version.
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What’s new in YouTube Music v8.05.51?
It includes playback improvements, UI tweaks, bug fixes, and enhanced offline functionality. It’s not a feature-heavy update but offers better stability.
Q2. Is this APK official?
If downloaded from a trusted mirror (like APKMirror), it is the original APK signed by Google, just extracted and archived.
Q3. Can I use this APK without Google Play Services?
No. YouTube Music depends on Google Play Services for account login and syncing.
Q4. Will my library and downloads be preserved?
Yes, if you’re updating from an older version, your downloads and preferences should remain intact unless the installation is corrupted.
Q5. Can I install this on Android TV?
Not directly. YouTube Music mobile APKs aren’t optimized for Android TV. Use the official TV version instead.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The YouTube Music 8.05.51 (arm64-v8a) APK offers a solid balance between functionality and performance for users who want to sideload or use an older, stable version. Whether you’re a music lover seeking smooth offline playback or someone who prefers a pre-update interface, this build is worth checking out—as long as it’s from a trusted source.
If you’re tech-savvy and want control over your app versions, sideloading this APK can be a great solution. Just remember to stay safe, scan files, and match your device’s architecture.