Features of YouTube Premium
1. Ad-Free Viewing
Perhaps the most compelling feature of the YouTube Premium is the removal of all ads from videos. This includes not only the standard pre-roll and mid-roll ads but also banner ads and pop-up overlays. For frequent users, this translates into a smoother, uninterrupted experience and can save hours of ad-watching each month.
2. Offline Playback
With YouTube Premium, users can download videos to watch offline on mobile devices. This is particularly useful for commuters, travelers, or anyone with limited or expensive mobile data plans. You can download videos in various resolutions and store them for offline viewing for up to 30 days.
3. Background Play
Another fan-favorite feature is background play. On the free version of YouTube, switching apps or turning off your screen pauses the video. Premium allows videos to continue playing in the background, which is especially useful for music videos, podcasts, and long-form content.
4. YouTube Music Premium
A YouTube Premium subscription includes access to YouTube Music Premium, a standalone service that competes with Spotify and Apple Music. YouTube Music allows you to stream songs without ads, download music for offline listening, and enjoy background play.
5. YouTube Originals
Subscribers also gain access to YouTube Originals—exclusive series and movies produced by YouTube. While not as extensive or renowned as Netflix or Amazon Prime’s offerings, YouTube Originals include a mix of documentaries, reality shows, and scripted series featuring popular creators and celebrities.
Pricing
As of mid-2025, YouTube Premium is priced as follows (pricing may vary slightly by region):
Individual Plan: $13.99/month
Family Plan: $22.99/month (up to 5 members aged 13+ in the same household)
Student Plan: $7.99/month (with annual verification)
New subscribers often get a 1-month free trial to test the service before committing.
Advantages of YouTube Premium
1. Time-Saving and Convenience
Eliminating ads can save users several minutes—or even hours—each week, especially for those who consume a lot of content. The ability to download videos and listen in the background adds flexibility that enhances the overall viewing experience.
2. Supports Content Creators
Contrary to what some might assume, using YouTube Premium doesn’t take away from creators’ ad revenue. In fact, YouTube shares a portion of your Premium fee with the creators you watch. The more you watch a channel, the more support they receive.
3. Bundled Music Service
The inclusion of YouTube Music Premium makes the subscription more valuable. If you’re already paying for another music service, switching to YouTube Premium could help consolidate your subscriptions and save money.
4. Better for Mobile Users
Background play and offline downloads are especially useful for mobile users who want to multitask or avoid using mobile data.
Disadvantages of YouTube Premium
1. Cost
At nearly $14/month, YouTube Premium is more expensive than some competing streaming services, especially if you’re not using all of its features. Users who primarily watch short videos or don’t mind ads may not find enough value in the subscription.
2. Limited Exclusive Content
While YouTube Originals are improving, the catalog remains limited and isn’t the primary draw for most subscribers. If exclusive shows are your priority, services like Netflix or Disney+ offer more value.
3. Free Alternatives
There are unofficial browser extensions and apps (particularly on Android) that can block ads or allow background play, though these come with ethical and legal considerations.
Is YouTube Premium Worth It?
The value of YouTube Premium depends largely on your viewing habits. Here are some scenarios where it may be worth subscribing:
Frequent Viewer: If you spend hours on YouTube each day, the ad-free experience alone can be worth the cost.
Music Lover: If you already use YouTube for music and don’t subscribe to a dedicated music service, the bundled YouTube Music Premium adds significant value.
Traveler or Commuter: Offline viewing and background play are perfect for those on the go.
Family Users: The family plan can provide a good deal, especially if multiple household members use YouTube frequently.
On the other hand, if you only use YouTube occasionally, or don’t mind the presence of ads, the free version might be sufficient for your needs.
Alternatives to YouTube Premium
Ad-blockers (for desktop): Some users use browser extensions to block ads, though these are against YouTube’s terms of service and may not be reliable.
Spotify/Apple Music: For those only interested in music, standalone streaming platforms may offer better recommendations and a richer music catalog.
YouTube Music (Free version): Offers basic music streaming with ads and no background play.
Conclusion
YouTube Premium is a well-rounded service that significantly enhances the YouTube experience. With ad-free content, background play, offline downloads, and bundled music streaming, it caters to both casual and heavy users. While it may not offer the extensive original programming of other platforms, its real strength lies in making YouTube—the world’s largest video platform—more seamless and enjoyable to use.
Whether it’s worth the price ultimately depends on your personal habits. But for many, especially those deeply integrated into the YouTube ecosystem, the subscription delivers great value.