Is YouTube premium worth it

YouTube isn't just the go-to spot for free videos; it also offers a subscription service called YouTube Premium. This upgraded experience removes ads, enables background playback, and allows you to download videos for offline viewing.

Let us break down the perks of YouTube Premium to help you figure out if it's a good fit for you. Whether you're tired of ads or just want your videos on the go, we have got all the details you need to make an informed decision.

How much does YouTube premium cost?

Alright, let's break down the YouTube Premium membership options, so you're not caught up in the wrong deal! Now, before we dive in, transparency is key with YouTube Premium.

No hidden charges, no unexpected surprises. It's all laid out for you, clear as day. You know precisely what you're signing up for and what it'll cost.

Here's the lineup of YouTube Premium subscriptions along with their prices:

Why you should subscribe to YouTube premium

If you're trying to decide between sticking with free YouTube and upgrading to YouTube Premium, it really boils down to what you're looking for in your entertainment experience and how much you're willing to spend.

Here are the main reasons you might want to consider going Premium:

Watch ad-free videos

One of the best perks of a subscription plan is the ability to enjoy videos without ads interrupting you.

However, while you won't see any overlay ads, banner ads, or search ads from Google, you might still encounter ads embedded directly in the videos.

These are placed by creators, not YouTube itself. It's worth noting that YouTube shares a portion of its subscription revenue with creators. This arrangement helps creators offer an ad-free experience to premium subscribers.

Full access to YouTube originals

YouTube Premium used to be the exclusive home for YouTube Originals, featuring original shows only accessible to subscribers.

However, since YouTube discontinued its Originals in early 2022, most of this content is now available to everyone, albeit with ads.

Premium subscribers, though, still enjoy some exclusive benefits like ad-free viewing and access to special extras such as deleted scenes and director's cuts.

While most Originals are now free, certain episodes labeled as 'Premium' remain exclusive to subscribers. Check out the YouTube Originals channel to see what's on offer and decide if the extra content is worth the subscription.

You can save videos for offline viewing

Anyone lacking an unlimited data plan or commuting through areas with spotty cell coverage will appreciate the Save For Offline feature.

With YouTube Premium, there's a handy download icon under each video. Simply tap it, and you can store clips for later viewing, up to 1080p resolution.

This feature is perfect for keeping your favorite music videos ready for a spontaneous dance break, or downloading video podcasts at home.

That way, you're not stuck with just the audio versions when you're on the move.

Background play

We've all experienced it: you're deep into a YouTube video or jamming to a song, and then you lock your screen or switch apps, and bam—everything stops.

Annoying, isn't it? That's where YouTube Premium steps in. This subscription offers a cool benefit: background play. With it, your videos keep rolling even when your screen is off or you're multitasking with other apps.

So, you can continue to enjoy your music or stay glued to your video content without interruptions.

YouTube music premium

YouTube Music offers a vast library with millions of tracks, including official songs, live performances, and expertly curated playlists.

By subscribing, you can enjoy these without ads, access personalized mixes, and download music to listen offline—perfect for places without an internet connection.

While this premium service has its perks, it's worth considering whether the cost is justifiable for you, especially given the availability of free alternatives like Spotify's ad-supported version.

However, keep in mind, Spotify's free tier limits you to shuffle play and doesn't allow offline listening.

Surprising hidden features

There are also some cool, lesser-known perks of YouTube Premium:

• Picture-in-picture: Keep watching your videos while you multitask on mobile—just minimize and keep it playing in the corner of your screen.
• Continue watching: Say goodbye to restarting videos. Pause anytime and pick up right where you left off, even on different devices.
• Queue videos: Set up a watch queue to enjoy a seamless stream of videos, arranging them just how you like.
• Smart downloads: Enable this to have YouTube automatically download videos for offline watching—only over WiFi, so no worries about data.
• Afterparties: Chat live with creators during livestreams and bond with other fans.
• Early access: Test out new features before they go live and give your feedback.

What YouTube premium needs to improve

When YouTube Premium launched, it promised high-quality originals from favorite YouTubers with boosted budgets. However, YouTube hasn't quite delivered.

Original series like Vsauce's Mind Field showed what creators could do with more resources, delivering deep dives and engaging content.

Yet, today, we see YouTube leaning towards celebrities over its own creators, featuring series like Celebrity Substitute and projects with Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Moreover, even as a Premium subscriber, finding these Originals is tough—they rarely show up in recommendations, and the platform's design doesn't help. Hidden gems like The Boy Band Con are easily overlooked.

Additionally, without using features like YouTube Music Premium, the $13.99/month fee feels steep for just an ad-free experience and sporadic originals, especially after years of free access.

YouTube could do better by refocusing on its innovative creators and improving accessibility and value of its original content.

So, is YouTube premium really worth it?

Just getting rid of ads might convince you to sign up. But on top of that, you get perks like watching offline, playing videos in the background, downloading content, and an overall better viewing experience.

It's especially worth it if you don't already have another music streaming service. These features not only enhance how you watch videos but also how you listen to music, making it a worthwhile investment for heavy users.