How to Create Music Apps Like Musi [2025 Guide With Alternatives]

Musi was a go-to music streaming app for iPhone users for YouTube audio with their screens off. However, with changes in YouTube’s policy, it gets pulled from the App Store, leaving thousands of users searching for an alternative music apps like Musi.

While many are trying to find something that works the same, some opportunists spam how to create music app like Musi on Reddit. We fully get them, given that the forecasted demand for music apps crosses $46.9 billion by 2027 (Source: Business Wire). People want apps to stream or download songs without unwanted juggling or paying high monthly fees.

This guide walks you through both paths. If you’re looking for free music apps like Musi, we’ve rounded up the best Musi alternative for Android and iPhone. And if you’re aiming to create your own music streaming app by yourself, we’ll break down the tech, cost, and features you’ll need.

Overview of Musi – Simple Music Streaming App

Musi was a free iPhone music app that streamed audio from YouTube. It worked like a music player, not a video platform. Users could play songs in the background, queue tracks, make playlists, and even enjoy audio with their screens off.

However, what is considered the best feature of offline music apps like Musi it didn’t align with YouTube’s terms. The platform didn’t allow offline play without a subscription.

Why Did Musi Get Discontinued

As mentioned above, Musi used YouTube’s public API, which allows third-party apps to access video data. While the practice wasn’t illegal, it pushed against YouTube’s terms of service, especially when apps allowed background playback without showing ads. Over time, that became a violation.

Later, the update in App Store policy and pressure from YouTube led to Musi’s removal. But its absence left a noticeable gap in the market. On community forums, apps like Musi Reddit queries have hundreds of threads to find usable Musi alternatives.

Music App Trends and 2025 Statistics

The demand for music apps is still growing. You won’t believe that mobile music streaming is one of the most downloaded app categories in the world. 

Key insights from 2025 reports:

• According to Statista, the global mobile music app market is expected to hit $28 billion in revenue by the end of 2025. 
• Gen Z leads that demand, with 85% of them using streaming platforms over traditional music downloads
• A Sensor Tower Q2 2025 report shows music app installs grew by 18% YoY, with YouTube-integrated apps being among the fastest growing.
• Android users downloaded music streaming apps 35% more than iOS users, largely because of free music apps like Musi and broader app availability.
• Offline playback and background audio are top features requested in app store reviews.

What Is the Best Alternative to Musi?

Several options are available for free music apps like Musi for iPhone and Android. Based on user reviews and recommendations for apps like Musi Reddit, Audiomack, and Melodista are currently among the highest-rated apps like Musi on their respective platforms.

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While no app replicates Musi perfectly, they come close with legal compliance and better user support, allowing background playback, playlist control, and possibly offline listening. Let’s break it down by operating system.

Best Music Apps Like Musi for iPhone Free in 2025

Sensor Tower’s Q2 2025 shows Melodista saw a 24% increase in installs year-over-year. It is one of the most popular free apps like Musi for iPhone Reddit users mentioned as a trusted go-to.

Here are the top free Musi alternatives for iPhone. They are best for users looking for Musi alternatives that support playlists and offline music without heavy subscriptions.

Most of them don’t rely on YouTube but still support uninterrupted listening. If you want something more personalized, you can also build your own iOS music app that fits your exact needs.

Best Musi Alternative for Android in 2025

There is more flexibility and a broader range of apps like Musi for Android that Reddit users recommend. Here are the top choices this year:

Many of these free apps like Musi give you more control over playback and offline support without violating YouTube’s terms. To explore more Android options, you can check our roundup on offline Android music apps, including those that don’t rely on WiFi or mobile data.

Must-Have Features for a Music App in 2025

If you’re building music apps like Musi, know that your users expect more than just audio playback. Its 2025, and the bar is higher than ever. Here’s what users look for whether it’sa  simple playlist player or a modern AI music app with advanced recommendations:

How to Create a Music App Like Musi for iOS

If you’re planning to build music apps like Musi for iPhone users, there’s a lot to think through, but it’s doable. The key is to build something users actually want: background audio, playlists, and a simple UI that doesn’t get in the way. Here’s how to create music app like Musi for free the right way.

Step 1: Decide on the Features Users Want

Musi succeeded because it focused on simplicity. If you’re creating somewhat similar apps like Musi, start with what users expect.

• Background play is a must because users listen while multitasking
• YouTube integration as per the current API rules
• Playlist that supports easy add, remove, or reorder
• Minimal UI with no clutter and swipe-friendly controls
• Optional EQ for simple tone control for casual users

If you’re adding premium features, consider offline mode, custom themes, or even voice commands. Just make sure the core works perfectly first.

Step 2: Choose the Right Tech Stack for iOS

You can build your frontend using Swift or SwiftUI, which are Apple’s modern UI frameworks. For real-time sync and backend logic, Firebase is a good choice for apps like Musi. It covers auth, storage, analytics, and real-time databases with minimal setup.

Here’s a basic stack:

• Frontend: Swift, SwiftUI
• Backend: Firebase or Node.js
• Streaming: YouTube API (with limits), Apple MusicKit for licensed music
• Analytics: Firebase or Mixpanel

Step 3: Build App Layout

Start small and focus on working features. Here’s what to build in your MVP (minimum viable product):

• Search screen to explore music
• Player screen controls playback.
• Playlist screen to manage tracks
• Log in or guest access

These features form the base of your music apps like Musi, enough to test with users and get feedback.

Step 4: Test Your App 

Your app should work well on all modern iPhones. Before release, test:

• Playback in the background and with the screen locked
• Speed on both slow and fast internet
• Compatibility with iOS 15 and newer
• Performance on different iPhone models

See if playback continues when you lock the phone or switch apps. Fix anything that breaks during these tests. 

Step 4: Compliance

This part is critical because Apple has strict rules. Musi was removed from the App Store for violating YouTube’s terms. You can avoid that by:

• Show video if using YouTube API

• Do not strip audio or skip ads

• Add a clear privacy policy

• Avoid copyrighted music unless licensed

If you’re using Apple MusicKit, you’re safer, but you’ll need a developer token and music licenses in place.

Step 5: Launch

Once your app is tested and compliant, submit it through App Store Connect. You’ll need a working build, app description, screenshots, and details for in-app purchases if any. Apple manually reviews all apps, so double-check your content and code before submission. Once approved, your app will be live on the App Store in a few days.

Development Timeline and Cost

A working MVP of a music app like Musi for iPhone typically takes 8 to 10 weeks to design, build, and test. If you’re hiring a team, the average cost ranges between $25,000 and $50,000, depending on the scope.

No-code tools can help prototype ideas, but for real iOS music apps like Musi, go native or work with an experienced iPhone app development company.

How to Create Music App Like Musi on Android

You have more flexibility for building music apps like Musi for Android than iOS, but so does the competition. Many already use Musi alternatives for Android like YMusic, Audiomack, or Frolomuse.

To build something better, your app needs to offer what Android users care about, like speed, background play, and control. Here’s a step-by-step guide to create apps like Musi.

Step 1: Focus on Android-First Features

While Musi was built for iOS, Android offers more flexibility if you know what to prioritize. Key features your app should include:

• Background audio using Android’s media service
• Search and stream from YouTube or custom sources
• Simple playlist creation and editing
• Picture-in-picture (PiP) for floating video play
• Material UI for familiar Android design patterns
• Custom notifications for playback control
• Persistent playback across navigation or screen lock

Apps like Musi for Android Reddit users mention most often succeed because they feel native. So, design with Android in mind, not as a copy of iOS.

Step 2: Use the Right Tech Stack

Tech choices matter in Android app development as they directly affect performance. For a stable, scalable Android music app:

• Language: Kotlin (preferred), or Java
• UI: Jetpack Compose or XML layouts with Material 3
• Media Playback: ExoPlayer is flexible, lightweight, and Google-supported
• Backend: Firebase (for auth, cloud storage, real-time sync)
• Analytics: Firebase, Mixpanel, or Amplitude
• Notifications: Android’s media session API with custom media controls

Step 3: Handle YouTube the Right Way

If you’re planning to develop apps like Musi that stream from YouTube, be aware:

• YouTube API for Android allows safe embedding
• You cannot strip audio or block video or ads
• If you try to run just the audio, your app may get flagged

Instead of trying to “clone” Musi, think of YouTube integration as a feature, not the base. If needed, you can explore alternatives like:

• NewPipe Extractor (open-source, risky for the Play Store)
• WebView + YouTube Player IFrame API (safe if video is visible)
• Licensed music options using the SoundCloud API or Audius

Apps that try to hide YouTube videos often get removed, so always follow the policy if you’re going on the Play Store.

Step 4: Plan Your MVP Features

Start lean and focus on what works. A strong MVP can include:

• Guest login or Google sign-in
• Search and stream using YouTube embed
• Basic player with play/pause, queue, next
• Playlist builder (save locally or to the cloud)
• Background audio with notification controls
• PiP mode for video playback

This is enough to ship, test, and get feedback from users. Later, you can add themes, recommendations, or offline mode. 

Step 5: Prepare for Play Store Launch

Once your app is stable:

• Add a privacy policy
• List third-party APIs (like YouTube)
• Use the correct permissions
• Upload app details, screenshots, and your signed APK or AAB file

The Play Store review is automated but strict. Your app must meet all content and playback rules. If approved, your music app will be live within hours or a few days.

Timeline and Cost

Most basic Android music apps like Musi take 6 to 9 weeks to develop. If you work with a small team, the average music app development cost falls between $20,000 and $45,000, depending on design and streaming features. For a custom Musi alternative app with audio playback or offline mode, expect more time and budget.

Does Musi Use YouTube API?

Yes, Musi used the YouTube API to stream music by embedding YouTube videos in the app. This allowed users to search, play, and organize songs without hosting any music files.

However, Musi didn’t fully follow YouTube’s usage terms. It let users play audio in the background while hiding the video, which goes against YouTube’s policies. That’s one reason why Musi was eventually removed from app stores.

If you’re building music apps like Musi using the YouTube API for music apps, keep these in mind:

• Always display the full video
• Don’t remove ads or block playback
• Use the official YouTube IFrame Player

Using YouTube is a low-cost option for early versions, but not a safe long-term strategy. You’ll also want to plan around music app development challenges and opportunities like API limitations, copyright risks, and user expectations for smooth, ad-free playback. For commercial apps, it’s better to use licensed music sources or open APIs that allow audio streaming.

Why You Should Create Music Apps Like Musi with TekRevol?

Building music apps like Musi today is more than embedding code. You’ve to understand how people listen, stream, and interact with music across devices. At Tekrevol, we bring that understanding into every product we build.

We’re a full-cycle music app development company trusted by startups, creators, and media platforms. Our team has built audio and streaming music apps like Musi across both iOS and Android, with a focus on fast performance, reliable playback, and ca lean user experience.

Whether you want to create your own music streaming app free of licensing issues or go premium, we tailor the tech to your vision.