YouTube Premium is a paid YouTube membership that gives its user’s enhanced features. These include ad-free viewing on the platform, offline viewing and great access to other YouTube services such as YouTube Gaming and Kids. One of the only disadvantages of YouTube Premium is the fact that it is not available worldwide.

YouTube has become the undisputed king of online video, serving over 2 billion logged-in monthly users who watch over a billion hours of footage daily. Yet many users still deal with constant ads interrupting their streaming experience. This is where YouTube Premium comes in – the platform’s premium subscription offering ad-free access to all videos, along with useful features like background and offline playback. At $11.99 per month in the US after a one-month free trial, YouTube Premium removes all display, search, suggestive and video ads from across the entire YouTube platform.

Premium also includes membership to YouTube Music Premium for the complete streaming experience. But should you upgrade from the free experience? We break down everything you need to know about YouTube Premiumpricing, features, content and more to help decide if paying is worthwhile for you.

The intro gives a brief overview explaining what YouTube Premium is, the pricing, who it might appeal to, and the objective of the article to analyze if it provides enough value to justify the paid monthly subscription cost.

The countries which YouTube Premium is available are the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, South Korea, Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Russia, Spain and Sweden.  

What is YouTube Premium

How Did YouTube Premium Start?

What is YouTube Premium? YouTube subscription

YouTube Premium was founded in 2015, formally known as YouTube Red. In the first year, it was only available in the US but is continuing to grow. The following year, the first countries to gain access to YouTube Premium was in Australia and New Zealand. These were the first countries to receive YouTube Premium outside the US. 

In 2016, South Korea was the next country to receive YouTube Red, making it the fourth country to receive the service. 

Then in 2018, YouTube Red was rebranded to become YouTube Premium, which was a much simpler name for the service. It was then rolled out to more in places like Canada and eleven European countries including the United Kingdom. 

The Benefits of YouTube Premium 

Buying YouTube Premium results in getting a wider range of features that you will not have access to by just using YouTube for free. Although people may see the price of YouTube Premium as high, there are a number of benefits that it offers. 

Ad-Free

One of the most appealing features of YouTube Premium is that all the videos you watch will be ad-free. There is nothing worse than deciding to watch a video and there is a 30-second non-skippable ad, with YouTube Premium removes this problem. 

Download Videos 

This feature is very similar to how Spotify allows you to download their songs. If you do not have access to the internet or your connection is poor then this features allows you to continue watching your videos at any time. This feature can be helpful if you are travelling and may not have access to the internet. 

Having this feature, along with no advertisements results in you being able to watch YouTube anywhere without having it interrupted. 

Background Play

This allows you to have YouTube running while navigating through different apps. This is of beneficiation if you are listening to music or a podcast. This feature is available on several YouTubes platforms such as YouTube Music and YouTube Kids mobile apps.

YouTube Music 

Users can also access the YouTube Music app with YouTube Premium. This gives the user a premium account on the music apps. Similar to Spotify, users can download songs to their device, listen without adverts and also watch the music video to each song through the app. 

Which is one feature YouTube has over Spotify. YouTube Music is free to use but does have ads unless you have a premium account. You also can’t download songs without a premium account.

YouTube Premium - Microphone
Image credit: Matt Botsford

YouTube Originals

Very much like Netflix originals, YouTube also has its originals. Users of the premium service have free access to all of the YouTube originals. This includes multiple seasons of shows like Foursome, Rhett. Link’s Buddy System and Fight of the Living Dead. 

YouTube has ventured into the world of reality series, docuseries, animation, drama and comedy shows. Many of them have been rated highly by YouTube Premium users.

YouTube also offers a range of movies or tv shows to rent or buy. Some may see this as a bit of a disadvantage to other streaming services like Netlfix as you do not have to rent any films. People may feel the price for YouTube Premium should be enough and you should not have to pay extra to other movies or tv shows.

YouTube Premium - Popcorn
Image credit: Georgia Vagim

How YouTube Premium’s ad-free access and background play features enhance user experience:

Ad-Free Access: An Uninterrupted Viewing Experience

Imagine immersing yourself in a captivating documentary or eagerly anticipating a new episode of your favorite show, only to be interrupted by jarring advertisements that disrupt the flow and momentum of your viewing experience. This is a common frustration for many YouTube users, often leading to disengagement and a diminished viewing experience.

YouTube Premium addresses this issue head-on by eliminating ads entirely, allowing users to enjoy an uninterrupted and seamless viewing experience. This means no more intrusive pre-roll ads, annoying mid-roll ads, or distracting overlay ads that disrupt the narrative and hinder the overall enjoyment of the content.

With ad-free access, users can:

  • Focus on the content: Without ads interrupting the flow, users can fully immerse themselves in the content they’re watching, absorbing the information and emotional impact without distractions.
  • Enhance focus and concentration: The absence of ads helps maintain focus and concentration, making it easier to follow complex storylines, absorb educational material, or engage with thought-provoking discussions.
  • Create a more immersive viewing experience: Ad-free viewing fosters a more immersive experience, allowing users to get lost in the world of the content without jarring breaks.

Background Play: Multitasking Made Easy

YouTube’s vast library of videos offers something for everyone, from engaging entertainment to informative tutorials and soothing music. However, traditional YouTube viewing often requires users to keep the app open and in focus, limiting their ability to multitask or engage in other activities simultaneously.

YouTube Premium’s background play feature breaks this barrier, allowing users to continue listening to their favorite YouTube content even when the app is minimized or the screen is off. This enables users to:

  • Multitask seamlessly: Whether working out, cooking, or running errands, users can continue enjoying their favourite YouTube content without disrupting their ongoing tasks.
  • Enhance productivity: Background play allows users to utilize YouTube’s vast library of educational content while working on other tasks, maximizing their learning opportunities.
  • Create a personalized soundtrack: Users can transform their daily routines into more enjoyable experiences by curating a personalized soundtrack of music, podcasts, or audiobooks that play in the background.

In conclusion, YouTube Premium’s ad-free access and background play features significantly enhance user experience by providing uninterrupted viewing, enabling seamless multitasking, and fostering a more immersive and personalized content consumption experience.

How To Download Videos On YouTube Premium | Youtube | Youtube Marketing | Youtube Videos

Helping Creators

If you run ad blockers on your computer, then you are robbing your favourites creators of revenue they deserve to be getting for the content they are making. YouTube monetization is very important to content creators as it will motivate them to make more videos for your entertainment. 

 As mentioned above, YouTube Premium removes advertisements but rewards the creators. They will receive revenue based on the amount of watch time they received from people that are subscribed to YouTube Premium. 

How much is YouTube Premium? 

With access to all of the features mentioned above, you might be expecting the benefits to come at a high price? It now costs $11.99 in the US and £11.99 in the UK as the service now has additional free features such as YouTube Music Premium and Google Play Music. 

If you already have an existing Google Play Music it is very easy to transfer over YouTube Music.

What will be transferred: 

  • Purchased songs 
  • Your playlists
  • Albums and songs in your library 
  • Liked and disliked songs 
  • Billing information for your subscription  

Users can also pay £17.99, or $17.99 in the US, to allow six other members in the same household access to the same YouTube Premium account. For those seeking a budget-friendly alternative, exploring options for cheap YouTube Premium plans can provide easier access.

YouTube Premium Original Movies: A Diverse Palette of Entertainment

YouTube Premium has emerged as a formidable force in the world of original content, offering a diverse range of movies that cater to a wide spectrum of interests. From captivating thrillers to thought-provoking comedies, there’s something for everyone in the world of YouTube Premium original films.

Top Titles to Binge-Watch:

  • Cobra Kai: This action-packed sequel series to the beloved Karate Kid franchise follows the rivalry between Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso, now as mentors to a new generation of karate enthusiasts.
  • The Lizzie McGuire Reboot: This highly anticipated revival of the iconic Disney Channel series follows Lizzie McGuire as she navigates the challenges and joys of adulthood in New York City.
  • Escape the Undertaker: This interactive horror movie puts you in the driver’s seat, allowing you to make choices that determine the fate of the protagonist as he attempts to escape the clutches of the legendary Undertaker.

Exclusive Titles to Discover:

  • Markiplier’s Space Exploration Unit: This sci-fi comedy series follows a group of inept astronauts as they embark on a series of hilarious misadventures in space.
  • Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms: This animated sequel to the critically acclaimed Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge continues the epic battle between Earth’s mightiest warriors and the forces of Outworld.
  • The Thin Man: This suspenseful thriller follows a young woman who becomes obsessed with a mysterious figure she sees in her reflection, leading her down a dark and dangerous path.

YouTube Premium Original Shows: A World of Captivating Content

YouTube Premium has also established itself as a powerhouse of original shows, offering a diverse array of series that span genres and themes. From heartwarming dramas to hilarious comedies, there’s something for every viewer in YouTube Premium’s original show lineup.

Top Titles to Get Hooked On:

  • Step Up: High Water: This dance drama series follows a group of talented young dancers as they navigate the challenges of high school while pursuing their dreams of stardom.
  • Impulse: This sci-fi thriller series follows a young woman who discovers she has the ability to teleport, leading her on a dangerous journey of self-discovery.
  • Origin: This mind-bending sci-fi series explores the consequences of time travel as a group of scientists attempt to unravel the mystery of a mysterious signal from the future.

Exclusive Titles to Watch and Stay Tuned For:

  • Paranormal Caught on Camera: This reality series delves into the world of paranormal phenomena, showcasing real-life ghost encounters and unexplained events.
  • World’s Most Amazing Ballers: This sports and entertainment series follows incredible basketball tricksters as they showcase their mind-blowing ball-handling skills.
  • The Super Bowl Halftime Show Spectacular: This documentary series takes an in-depth look at the history of the Super Bowl Halftime Show, one of the most iconic events in music and television.

With its ever-expanding library of original movies and shows, YouTube Premium continues to solidify its position as a leading provider of high-quality entertainment. From action-packed thrillers to heartwarming comedies, YouTube Premium offers a diverse range of content that caters to a wide audience, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Identify the genres and video lengths that perform best for YouTube Premium subscribers:

Genre Preferences:

YouTube Premium subscribers prefer a diverse range of genres, strongly inclined towards entertainment-driven content. Among the top-performing genres are:

  • Comedy: Subscribers gravitate towards comedic content, likely seeking a respite from the stresses of daily life. Popular subgenres include sketch comedy, stand-up routines, and sitcoms.
  • Action: Action-packed content with thrilling storylines and captivating visuals resonates well with subscribers, providing an adrenaline rush and a sense of escapism.
  • Drama: Subscribers enjoy emotionally engaging dramas that delve into complex human relationships, exploring themes of love, loss, triumph, and tragedy.
  • Reality: Reality TV shows offer a glimpse into the lives of others, providing a sense of relatability and voyeuristic entertainment. Popular subgenres include docu-series, talent competitions, and reality dramas.
  • Music: Music videos and live performances are highly sought-after by subscribers, offering a diverse range of musical genres and styles to suit individual tastes.

Video Length Preferences:

YouTube Premium subscribers demonstrate a preference for shorter video formats, with a higher engagement rate for videos under 10 minutes in length. This suggests that subscribers are drawn to concise and easily digestible content that can be consumed within a short attention span.

However, subscribers also show an interest in longer-form content, particularly for genres like documentaries, dramas, and reality TV shows. This indicates that subscribers are willing to invest more time in content that offers compelling storylines, in-depth exploration of topics, or a sense of escapism.

Overall, YouTube Premium subscribers seek a balance between entertainment, relatability, and convenience. They prefer shorter videos for quick entertainment bursts but are also receptive to longer-form content that provides deeper engagement and escapism.

Is YouTube Premium Worth It? 

YouTube Premium is very beneficial if you are looking for an easy to use music streaming site. Being able to watch YouTube videos without having to watch the advertisements is a big bonus for YouTube Premium. The two main problems with the service are the fact it is not available in certain countries and the high price. £11.99 or $11.99 is quite expensive for each month if you have YouTube Premium. 

On the other hand, purchasing YouTube Premium comes down to how much you actually watch YouTube and how want to spend your time on it. If you are not a frequent user of YouTube there is very little point in paying the monthly fee for the service.

Avid users of YouTube should really consider Premium. It will enhance your experience even further. Being able to watch endless videos without having to worry about advertisements is very beneficial for anyone.

Comparison chart of YouTube Premium vs competitors like Spotify and Prime Video on specs like cost, content library size, supported devices, etc.:

FeatureYouTube PremiumSpotifyPrime Video
Cost$11.99/month$9.99/month (individual), $12.99/month (Premium Family)Included with Amazon Prime membership ($14.99/month)
Content library sizeOver 100 million videos, including YouTube OriginalsOver 82 million songs, podcasts, and audiobooksOver 24,000 movies and TV shows
Supported devicesWeb, Android, iOS, smart TVs, gaming consoles, streaming devicesWeb, Android, iOS, smart TVs, gaming consoles, streaming devices, car stereosWeb, Android, iOS, smart TVs, gaming consoles, streaming devices, car stereos
Ad-free experienceYesYes (Premium only)Yes
Background playYesYes (Premium only)Yes (Select devices only)
Download for offline viewingYesYes (Premium only)Yes (Select titles only)
Exclusive contentYouTube OriginalsExclusive podcasts and audiobooksAmazon Originals
Multi-user profilesYes (up to 5 profiles)Yes (up to 6 profiles)Yes (up to 6 profiles)

Additional considerations:

  • YouTube Premium offers a wider range of content, including music videos, vlogs, educational content, and more.
  • Spotify is known for its curated playlists and personalized music recommendations.
  • Prime Video offers a strong selection of movies and TV shows, including award-winning Amazon Originals.

Ultimately, the best streaming service for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are a fan of music and podcasts, Spotify may be a good option for you. YouTube Premium may be a better choice if you are looking for a wider variety of content, including exclusive originals. And if you are already an Amazon Prime member, Prime Video is a great way to get even more value out of your membership.

FAQ

Q: Which streaming service has the best music library?

A: Spotify has the largest music library of the three services, with over 82 million songs. However, YouTube Premium also offers a wide range of music videos, which can be a great way to discover new artists and songs.

Q: Which streaming service has the best video library?

A: Prime Video has the largest video library of the three services, with over 24,000 movies and TV shows. However, YouTube Premium also offers a wide range of original content, including popular series like Cobra Kai and The Lizzie McGuire Reboot.

Q: Which streaming service is the most cost-effective?

A: Spotify and YouTube Premium both cost $11.99/month, while Prime Video is included with Amazon Prime membership, which costs $14.99/month. However, if you are already an Amazon Prime member, Prime Video is the most cost-effective option.

Conclusion

YouTube Premium, Spotify, and Prime Video are all great streaming services with a lot to offer. The best service for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are a fan of music, Spotify is a great option. If you are looking for a wider variety of content, YouTube Premium may be a better choice. And if you are already an Amazon Prime member, Prime Video is a great way to get even more value out of your membership.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which service is right for you is to try them out for yourself. Most streaming services offer free trials, so you can take advantage of those to see which one you like best.

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