YouTube Premium: Everything You Need to Know
YouTube has become the world’s leading platform for online video content, with billions of users streaming daily. While the free version offers a massive library of videos, it comes with ads and certain limitations. To provide a better viewing experience, YouTube introduced YouTube Premium, a subscription service that unlocks exclusive features and enhances user experience.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into what YouTube Premium offers, its features, pricing, advantages, and whether it’s worth your money.
What is YouTube Premium?
YouTube Premium is a paid subscription service offered by YouTube that provides ad-free viewing, offline downloads, background playback, and access to YouTube Music Premium and exclusive content. Launched initially as “YouTube Red” in 2015 and later rebranded to YouTube Premium in 2018, the service is designed to enhance how users watch and enjoy videos on the platform.
Unlike the free version, where users frequently encounter ads, YouTube Premium ensures uninterrupted streaming across all devices including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Key Features of YouTube Premium
Ad-Free Viewing
One of the main reasons people subscribe to YouTube Premium is to get rid of ads. With Premium, you can watch videos without pre-roll, mid-roll, or banner ads, making your experience smoother and less distracting.
Background Play
In the free version, if you exit the YouTube app or lock your phone, the video stops playing. With Premium, you can continue listening to music, podcasts, or any video in the background while using other apps or when your screen is off.
About Youtube Premium
Offline Downloads
Premium allows you to download videos and watch them later without an internet connection. This feature is perfect for travelers or those with limited data plans. You can download videos in multiple resolutions and store them directly on your device.
YouTube Music Premium
The subscription also includes YouTube Music Premium, which is a music streaming platform similar to Spotify or Apple Music. It offers ad-free listening, background play, and offline downloads for music tracks and playlists.
Exclusive YouTube Originals
Premium members get access to YouTube Originals, which includes movies, series, and shows produced by YouTube. While some content is free for all users, many originals are exclusive to Premium subscribers.
Seamless Multi-Device Use
A single YouTube Premium account works across multiple devices, meaning you can enjoy benefits on your phone, tablet, desktop, and smart TV without interruptions.
Pricing and Plans
YouTube Premium pricing varies by region. As of now:
- Individual Plan – Around $11.99/month
- Family Plan – Around $17.99/month (up to 6 family members)
- Student Plan – Discounted rate available for eligible students
Most plans come with a 1-month free trial, allowing you to test the service before committing to a subscription
Benefits of YouTube Premium
- No Interruptions – Ads can disrupt your viewing experience, especially during long videos. Premium removes them completely.
- Better Music Experience – With YouTube Music Premium, you get a full-fledged music app included at no extra cost.
- Save Data and Watch Offline – Download videos and watch them without using additional data.
- Multitasking – Listen to your favorite content while using other apps, something not possible with free YouTube.
- Access to Exclusive Shows – Watch original content that’s only available to Premium members.
Is YouTube Premium Worth It?
Whether YouTube Premium is worth it depends on how you use YouTube.
- For heavy users – If you spend hours daily watching videos, dislike ads, and want background play, Premium can be a game-changer.
- For music lovers – Since it includes YouTube Music Premium, it’s a great alternative to other music streaming platforms.
- For travelers – Offline downloads make it easier to watch on the go without consuming mobile data.
However, if you only occasionally watch videos and don’t mind ads, the free version might be enough.
How YouTube Premium Compares to Free YouTube
| Feature | Free YouTube | YouTube Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Ads | Yes | No |
| Background Play | No | Yes |
| Offline Downloads | Limited (only shorts) | Yes |
| YouTube Music | Ads & no background | Ad-free & full access |
| Originals | Limited access | Full access |
Tips to Maximize YouTube Premium
Download Playlists – Instead of downloading individual videos, save entire playlists for offline use.
Switch to High-Quality Downloads – Ensure you’re downloading videos in HD for a better offline experience.
Use YouTube Music – Take advantage of the bundled music service to replace other music apps.
Share Family Plan – Save money by subscribing to a family plan and sharing it with others.
Watch Originals – Explore exclusive shows and movies that you can’t find elsewhere.
Future of YouTube Premium
YouTube continues to add new features to Premium. In the future, we can expect:
- More exclusive content and partnerships
- Enhanced music discovery features
- Improved offline and background playback capabilities
- AI-driven video recommendations for Premium users
Conclusion
YouTube Premium transforms the way you consume content on the platform. By removing ads, enabling background play, offering offline downloads, and including a full music streaming service, it provides a seamless and more enjoyable experience.
For frequent YouTube users and music lovers, Premium is an excellent investment. It not only saves time by skipping ads but also enhances multitasking and entertainment options. While casual users may stick to the free version, those looking for an ad-free, uninterrupted, and feature-rich experience will find YouTube Premium well worth the price.