Youtube 
Introduction
YouTube is one of the most popular video platforms in the world. Almost everyone has watched a video there, whether for music, tutorials, gaming, or entertainment. Over the years, YouTube has introduced a paid subscription called YouTube Premium.
Many people ask themselves: Is YouTube Premium Worth It? Especially with the changes to ads and content in 2025. This guide explains exactly what YouTube Premium is, how it works, and whether the subscription is worth it for different types of viewers.
What Is YouTube Premium and How Does It Work
YouTube Premium is Google’s paid subscription service that removes ads from all videos. When you have Premium, those annoying ads before, during, and after videos disappear completely. The service also includes “background play,” which lets videos keep playing when you switch to other apps or turn off your phone screen.
Premium subscribers can download videos to watch offline without internet. This works on phones, tablets, and computers. The subscription also includes YouTube Music Premium, which is Google’s music streaming service similar to Spotify.
YouTube Premium works across all your devices once you sign in with your Google account. Whether you’re watching on your phone, computer, smart TV, or gaming console, the ad-free experience follows you everywhere.
How Much Does YouTube Premium Cost in 2025
YouTube Premium pricing varies depending on which plan you choose. The Individual plan costs $13.99 per month or $139.99 if you pay for a full year upfront. Students can get a discounted rate of $7.99 per month with proper verification.
The Family plan runs $22.99 monthly and covers up to six people living at the same address. This breaks down to about $3.83 per person, making it the best value if you can share with family or roommates.
Some phone carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile occasionally bundle YouTube Premium with certain plans. These deals change frequently and aren’t available everywhere, so check with your carrier for current offers.
What YouTube Premium Includes Beyond Ad-Free Videos
- Ad-free viewing: No interruptions on any videos, including YouTube Kids content
- Background play: Keep videos playing while using other apps or with your screen locked
- Offline downloads: Save videos and playlists to watch without internet
- YouTube Music Premium: Full access to Google’s music streaming service
- Enhanced video quality: Higher bitrate 1080p streaming and early access to new features
The background play feature works great for listening to podcasts, music, or long-form content while doing other things. You can lock your phone and the audio keeps going, which isn’t possible with regular YouTube.
Offline downloads help when you’re traveling or have limited data. You can save videos at home on WiFi and watch them later on planes or during commutes. The downloads expire after a while if you don’t go online to refresh them.
Is YouTube Premium Worth It for Heavy Viewers
If you watch YouTube for several hours daily, Premium can save significant time by eliminating ads. Regular YouTube shows ads every few minutes, and these interruptions add up quickly during long viewing sessions.
Heavy viewers also benefit most from background play and offline downloads. Gaming content creators often make hour-long videos, and Premium lets you listen while playing games or doing other activities. You can also download tutorial series or gameplay guides to watch without burning through mobile data.
The included YouTube Music Premium becomes valuable if you don’t already pay for Spotify or Apple Music. You get access to millions of songs, playlists, and music videos all in one subscription. For people who mainly discover music through YouTube anyway, this bundling makes sense.
Why Some People Skip YouTube Premium
The $13.99 monthly cost feels steep for casual viewers who only watch a few videos per week. If you’re not bothered by ads and rarely use YouTube on mobile, the free version might work fine for your needs.
Many people already subscribe to other music services and don’t want YouTube Music. The bundling doesn’t add value if you’re happy with your current music app and playlists. You’re essentially paying for features you won’t use.
Browser extensions can block YouTube ads on computers, though this doesn’t work on mobile apps or smart TVs. Some viewers prefer this free solution over paying for Premium, even though it doesn’t include the other features.
Smart Ways to Pay Less for YouTube Premium
The Family plan offers the biggest savings if you can split it with others. At $22.99 for six accounts, each person pays under $4 monthly. Just remember that YouTube requires all users to live at the same address.
Student discounts cut the price nearly in half at $7.99 per month. You’ll need to verify your enrollment at an eligible school through YouTube’s system. The discount lasts up to four years.
Some mobile carriers include YouTube Premium with premium phone plans. Check if your carrier offers this perk before paying separately. Hardware bundles occasionally include free trials when buying new phones, tablets, or smart TVs. You can also find better deals through marketplaces like Eldorado.gg, where Premium can sometimes be purchased for much less than the official price.
How YouTube Premium Compares to Free YouTube
| Feature | Free YouTube | YouTube Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Video ads | Yes, frequent | None |
| Background play | No | Yes |
| Offline downloads | No | Yes |
| Music streaming | With ads | Ad-free + offline |
| Monthly cost | $0 | $13.99+ |
| Video quality | Standard | Enhanced 1080p |
The table shows the main differences between free and paid YouTube. Premium removes all the limitations of the free version but costs about as much as other streaming services.
When YouTube Premium Makes Sense
YouTube Premium works best for people who watch multiple hours daily and find ads disruptive. If you use YouTube for background listening, travel frequently, or don’t have another music service, the subscription provides good value.
Gamers who watch tutorials, streams, and gaming content often benefit from Premium features. You can listen to strategy guides while playing, download walkthroughs for offline viewing, and avoid ad interruptions during live events.
For casual viewers who watch occasionally and don’t mind ads, the free version remains perfectly functional. You get access to the same massive video library without paying anything. Our platform at Eldorado helps gamers trade accounts and items securely when you want to skip the grind in your favorite games.
