YouTube Premium removes ads and lets you download videos, but the real value depends on how you watch
YouTube Premium is a paid subscription that removes ads from videos, lets you download content to watch offline, and gives you access to YouTube Music and YouTube Kids ad-free. The monthly cost varies by country and whether you bundle it with other services — in the US it ranges from about $11.99 for Premium alone to $22.99 for a family plan that covers up to six people. Whether it's worth paying depends on how much time you spend on YouTube and how much the ads bother you.
The service doesn't change what videos are available to you or give you access to exclusive content that free users can't see. It's purely about removing interruptions and adding convenience features. If you rarely watch YouTube or don't mind ads, you probably won't notice a difference. If you watch for hours every day, the ad removal alone might feel like a significant quality-of-life improvement.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube Premium removes all ads from videos, but doesn't unlock hidden content or give you access to videos that free users can't watch.
- You can download videos to your phone or tablet and watch them without an internet connection, which is useful for travel or commutes with spotty service.
- YouTube Music is included with Premium, so you get ad-free music streaming without paying separately for that service.
- A family plan covers up to six people for about $22.99 per month in the US, which works out cheaper per person than individual subscriptions.
- You can cancel anytime — there's no contract, and you'll keep access through the end of your billing period.
Ad removal and background play
The main reason most people pay for YouTube Premium is to stop seeing ads before, during, and after videos. On the free version, you'll see at least one ad before a video starts, and longer videos often have ads inserted in the middle. Premium removes all of those.
Premium also lets you play videos in the background while you use other apps or lock your phone. On the free version, the video stops playing the moment you switch to another app or turn off your screen. If you listen to music videos, podcasts, or educational content while doing other things, this feature alone saves you from having to keep YouTube open and your screen on the whole time.
Downloading videos to watch offline
With Premium, you can download individual videos to your phone or tablet and watch them later without an internet connection. This works for most videos — some creators or copyright holders restrict downloads, but the majority allow it. Downloads stay on your device for up to 30 days, and then they expire and need to be re-downloaded.
This is most useful if you commute on public transit, travel by plane, or spend time in places with unreliable internet. You can download a few videos before you leave home and watch them on the go. The downloads take up storage space on your device, so you won't be able to download your entire watch history, but you can delete them once you've watched them.
YouTube Music included with your subscription
YouTube Premium includes ad-free access to YouTube Music, which is YouTube's music streaming service. You get the same music library as the standalone YouTube Music subscription, with no ads and the ability to play songs in the background. If you were already paying for YouTube Music separately, adding Premium means you get the video benefits on top of what you already have.
YouTube Music works differently from services like Spotify or Apple Music — it's built around music videos and official uploads rather than a single definitive version of each song. Some people prefer this because you can watch official music videos while listening. Others find it less reliable because the same song might have multiple uploads with different audio quality, and which one plays depends on YouTube's algorithm.
Family plans and sharing
YouTube Premium offers a family plan in most countries that covers up to six people for a single monthly fee. In the US, this costs about $22.99 per month, which breaks down to roughly $3.83 per person — significantly cheaper than buying six individual subscriptions at $11.99 each. Each family member gets their own account and their own download library, watch history, and recommendations.
Family members need to be part of the same Google Family group, which you set up through Google's family management tools. You can remove or add people from the family group anytime, though there are limits on how often you can change the group's payment method. If someone leaves the family, they lose Premium access immediately, and any downloads they made expire.
What YouTube Premium doesn't include
Premium doesn't unlock any videos that free users can't watch. Every video available to a Premium subscriber is also available to someone watching for free — the only difference is the ads and the convenience features. There's no exclusive content library, no early access to new videos, and no special creator perks.
You also don't get any special tools for creating or uploading videos. YouTube Studio, the creator dashboard, is free for everyone. Premium is purely a viewing and listening service, not a creator tool.
When Premium might not be worth it
If you watch YouTube only occasionally — a few videos a week or less — the cost probably isn't worth it. You'll spend more on the subscription than you'll save in time by not watching ads. The same goes if you mainly watch on a smart TV or computer where you can use an ad blocker (though YouTube actively works to block these).
If you already pay for a music streaming service you're happy with, YouTube Music might feel redundant. And if you have reliable internet everywhere you go, the offline download feature won't save you much. In those cases, the free version of YouTube might be enough.
How to try Premium before paying
YouTube offers a free trial period for new subscribers — usually one month, though the length varies by country and whether you're a new Google account. During the trial, you get full access to all Premium features with no charge. You need to add a payment method to start the trial, and it will automatically charge you when the trial ends unless you cancel beforehand.
If you decide Premium isn't for you, you can cancel during the trial period and you won't be charged. If you cancel after the trial ends, you'll keep access through the end of your current billing period, then lose Premium features. Your watch history and playlists stay on your account either way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my YouTube Premium account with family members?
Yes, through the family plan. Up to six people can share one subscription, each with their own account and separate watch history. If you want to share your individual Premium account instead, that technically violates YouTube's terms of service, though enforcement is inconsistent.
Do I lose my videos if I cancel Premium?
Your watch history, playlists, and subscriptions stay on your account. Downloaded videos expire and disappear. You'll start seeing ads again immediately, and background play stops working.
Can I use YouTube Premium on multiple devices?
Yes. You can watch on your phone, tablet, computer, and smart TV as long as you're signed into the same Google account. You can download videos on multiple devices, but each download counts toward your device's storage limit.
Does YouTube Premium work with YouTube Kids?
Yes. If you have Premium, YouTube Kids is also ad-free. YouTube Kids is a separate app designed for younger viewers with restricted content and parental controls.
What happens to my Premium if I change countries?
Your subscription continues, but the price adjusts to the local rate for your new country. The change takes effect at your next billing date. Some features like offline downloads may have different availability depending on local laws.