Rythm returns: popular Discord music bot relaunches as activity app with new features

After a three-year hiatus, the popular Discord music bot, Rythm, is relaunching as an activity app within Discord. Originally created by Yoav Zimet at age 14, Rythm streamed audio from YouTube videos into Discord calls, bypassing ads, until it was shut down by Google in 2021 for violating YouTube’s terms. The new version of Rythm features a full user interface, allowing users to add songs, control music, view album art, and use a music visualizer.

Rythm will offer both free and paid subscription options. The premium tier, priced at $4.99 per month, enables subscribers to create playlists that up to 20 people can join and listen to simultaneously. Revenue from premium subscriptions will be shared with music labels and publishers to compensate artists and rights holders. Rythm provides access to over 50 million songs, though negotiations are ongoing to include some top artists. Free users currently won’t hear ads, although future ad introduction is being considered with a focus on not disrupting conversations.

Initially launching as a Discord app, development is underway for dedicated iOS, Android, and desktop apps to expand Rythm beyond just a Discord bot. Zimet envisions transforming Rythm into a social network centered around shared music experiences. Rythm is available today as a Discord app, with the mobile app expected to launch later this year. Users can join the mobile waitlist to stay updated on its release.