YouTube Premium is a subscription service that enhances the user experience on YouTube by offering several premium features. These include ad-free browsing, the ability to watch videos offline, and improved access to additional YouTube services such as YouTube Gaming and YouTube Kids. However, a notable drawback is that YouTube Premium is not available in every country.
As the leading platform for online video, YouTube boasts over 2 billion logged-in users each month, who collectively watch more than a billion hours of content every day. Despite this impressive reach, many users are still frustrated by the interruptions caused by ads during their viewing. This is where YouTube Premium steps in, offering a subscription that eliminates ads from all videos and includes valuable features such as background play and offline viewing. Priced at $11.99 per month in the US, following a one-month free trial, YouTube Premium ensures that users can enjoy an uninterrupted streaming experience without display, search, suggestive, or video ads.
In addition to its video-related perks, YouTube Premium subscribers also enjoy access to YouTube Music Premium, offering an all-encompassing streaming experience. This feature allows users to listen to music ad-free, download tracks for offline listening, and continue playing music in the background, making it a versatile solution for both video and music streaming needs. But is upgrading from the free version worth it? In this article, System SocialZ aims to explore YouTube Premium’s pricing, features, content offerings, and more, helping you determine whether the monthly fee is justified for your needs.
What is YouTube Premium?
YouTube Premium is a subscription service that enhances the standard YouTube experience by offering several additional features. Initially launched as “Music Key” in 2014, it was rebranded to YouTube Red before becoming YouTube Premium. The service offers various membership options.
An individual subscription costs $13.99 per month, with the option of a one-month free trial and an annual plan priced at $139.99 for 12 months. The Family plan, priced at $22.99 monthly, also includes a free trial and allows up to five family members (13 years and older) to share the benefits. Additionally, the primary account holder can share purchased Primetime Channels in select countries (US, Germany, France, Australia, and the UK). The Student plan, at $7.99 per month, is the most affordable option, though it requires enrollment at a higher education institution eligible for YouTube’s student memberships.
Each YouTube Premium subscription includes YouTube Music Premium and other perks, making it worth exploring with a trial.
While YouTube Premium isn’t a dedicated music service like Spotify or Apple Music, it provides a range of features designed to enhance your YouTube experience. These include ad-free videos, offline viewing, access to exclusive content from popular creators, and YouTube Music streaming.
How Did YouTube Premium Start?
YouTube Premium, originally launched as YouTube Red, debuted in 2015 and was initially limited to users in the US. In the following year, the service expanded internationally, with Australia and New Zealand becoming the first countries outside the US to gain access.
By 2016, South Korea joined the list, making it the fourth country to offer YouTube Red.
In 2018, the service underwent a rebranding, changing its name to YouTube Premium for simplicity. Following this, it expanded further to regions like Canada and several European countries, including the United Kingdom.
The YouTube Ecosystem
Google has long been known for its somewhat confusing naming conventions, and YouTube’s branding has followed suit. If you’ve heard of YouTube Red, that was the platform’s premium subscription service before 2018. However, after a major overhaul, YouTube Red was rebranded as YouTube Premium, and YouTube Music became a standalone app. With so many services under the YouTube umbrella now, here’s a more detailed breakdown to help distinguish them:
YouTube Premium: This is YouTube’s main subscription offering. It removes ads from videos, enables background playback, allows offline downloads, and gives access to YouTube Originals.
YouTube Music: This is Google’s answer to music streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. It’s a separate app that offers free music streaming, albeit with ads and without some advanced features.
YouTube Music Premium: Priced at $10.99 per month, this is the paid tier of YouTube Music. It adds several perks, such as ad-free streaming, offline downloads, background play, and improved audio quality. YouTube Music Premium is also included as part of the broader YouTube Premium subscription.
YouTube TV: A live TV streaming service that competes with platforms like Hulu + Live TV. It provides access to live television channels and includes a cloud-based DVR feature for recording shows.
YouTube Kids: This is a child-friendly version of YouTube, designed with age-appropriate content for younger audiences. YouTube Premium’s features, such as ad-free viewing and offline playback, also apply to YouTube Kids.
YouTube Shorts: A dedicated section for short-form video content, YouTube Shorts is YouTube’s answer to platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, focusing on quick, snappy videos that are typically under a minute in length.
The Benefits of Premium
YouTube Premium comes with an array of features designed to elevate the YouTube experience. Let’s break these down to make it clear what the service offers:
Ad-Free Viewing
One of YouTube’s main revenue streams is advertising, but ads can often interrupt the flow of videos, especially during critical moments. With YouTube Premium, however, you won’t encounter any ads, whether it’s video ads, banner ads, or pop-up overlays. This applies to all devices where you’re logged into your account—whether you’re watching on the web, a mobile device, Roku, or other streaming platforms. Even within the YouTube Music app, your viewing and listening experiences will be free of ads. Although YouTube’s default ad load may not be overwhelming for many, those who use YouTube primarily as a music service might notice more frequent ads without Premium.
YouTube Originals
Much like Netflix has exclusive content, YouTube also produces its own original shows and movies. As a Premium member, you’ll have free access to all of YouTube Originals, which span a variety of genres including reality series, documentaries, animations, comedies, and dramas. Popular shows like Foursome, Rhett & Link’s Buddy System, and Fight of the Living Dead have all been well-received by Premium users. While YouTube does allow renting and purchasing other movies and TV shows, some users see this as a downside when compared to other streaming platforms like Netflix, which includes all content under a single subscription. Nevertheless, the exclusive content from famous YouTubers adds unique value to the Premium package.
YouTube Music
Subscribers also gain access to the YouTube Music app, which functions similarly to other music streaming services like Spotify. With a Premium account, users can download songs to their device, enjoy ad-free music streaming, and watch music videos within the app—a feature that distinguishes YouTube Music from other platforms. While YouTube Music is available for free, it includes ads and lacks the ability to download tracks unless you upgrade to Premium.
Background Play on Mobile
One standout feature of YouTube Premium is background play. This means that even when you lock your phone or switch to a different app, the video or audio will continue to play. This is especially useful when listening to podcasts or music through YouTube, or when multitasking between apps. Available across YouTube platforms like YouTube Music and YouTube Kids, Android users also benefit from a picture-in-picture mode, allowing them to keep videos playing in a small window while using other apps.
Offline Viewing
One of the standout features of YouTube Premium is the option to download videos for offline viewing. This allows users to save their favorite content directly to their devices, enabling them to watch videos even when they don’t have an internet connection, whether they’re on the go or in areas with limited connectivity. This is perfect for situations where you don’t have access to Wi-Fi or mobile data, like when traveling or in areas with poor connectivity. However, offline viewing is limited to the YouTube mobile app and certain videos may not be available for download due to location or partner restrictions. You also need to be logged into your Premium account to access this feature.
YouTube Kids
For families, YouTube Premium extends to YouTube Kids—a version of YouTube specifically curated for children, with content filtered for age-appropriateness and robust parental controls. A Premium subscription enhances YouTube Kids by offering ad-free viewing and the ability to download videos for offline use, ensuring kids can watch their favorite content without interruptions or the need for constant Internet access.
Higher Quality Video
Another benefit of YouTube Premium is improved video quality. Subscribers gain access to an enhanced bitrate version of 1080p, which ensures clearer, more detailed playback—especially noticeable in fast-paced videos. This is particularly useful for those who value a higher quality viewing experience, especially when watching high-action content or visually detailed videos.
Video Downloads
In addition to offline viewing, YouTube Premium allows users to download videos in a way similar to how Spotify lets users download songs. This feature ensures that you can continue watching your favorite content anytime, even without Internet access. It’s particularly useful for those on the go or in places with unreliable connectivity, allowing for uninterrupted viewing without buffering or delays.
Overall, YouTube Premium offers a comprehensive set of features designed to enhance both video and music experiences across a variety of devices and apps. From ad-free streaming to exclusive content and offline access, it provides a well-rounded package for those who use YouTube regularly.
Is Premium Worth It?
YouTube Premium is highly beneficial for those seeking a seamless music and video streaming experience. The biggest advantage is the ability to watch YouTube videos without interruptions from ads, which can be a major draw for regular users. However, two notable downsides are its unavailability in certain countries and its relatively high cost. At £11.99 or $11.99 per month, the subscription might feel steep, especially for casual viewers.
Deciding whether YouTube Premium is worth it largely depends on how often you use YouTube and your budget. If you’re not a frequent viewer, paying for the service might not be necessary. On the other hand, for dedicated users who spend a lot of time on YouTube, Premium offers significant perks such as ad-free viewing, offline downloads, and background play, making it a valuable upgrade.
For those who are heavy YouTube consumers, the service provides an enhanced experience. The removal of ads alone is often worth the cost, but the ability to save videos for offline use and play them in the background on mobile adds even more convenience, especially if you frequently multitask or watch longer videos.
If you’re primarily a desktop user, the biggest benefit will likely be the ad-free experience, especially as many creators are adding more ads to their content due to declining ad revenues. Premium allows you to watch without interruptions while still supporting your favorite creators.
For people already subscribed to YouTube Music, upgrading to YouTube Premium for a few extra dollars unlocks these additional features, making it a more comprehensive option. One caveat, though, is the relatively small YouTube Originals library, especially since production was halted in 2022. If you’re not particularly interested in exclusive Premium content, you might find this aspect lacking. However, the other features offered by YouTube Premium make it an appealing choice overall.
How much does YouTube Premium cost?
Given that most YouTube content is free, your first thought might be, “How much does YouTube Premium cost?” Unfortunately, it’s a bit pricier now than when it first launched.
An individual subscription costs $14 per month, following a one-month free trial. For families, the plan is $23 per month, accommodating up to six users, which makes it an affordable option if you’re sharing with others, like family or friends.
Students can also take advantage of a discounted rate, paying just $8 per month, though they must verify their student status annually.
As for YouTube Originals, Premium members can enjoy these without ads, while non-subscribers can still access them for free but with ads included.
Can you get a free trial of YouTube Premium?
Even if you spend a lot of time on YouTube, you might still question whether paying over $10 a month for a Premium subscription is truly worthwhile. While the idea of ad-free viewing sounds appealing, you may wonder if it will significantly enhance your overall experience. Additionally, if you’ve never used YouTube Music before and are already subscribed to another service like Spotify, it might be wise to explore the platform first to see if it suits your needs before committing to the payment.
Thankfully, YouTube offers a way to test Premium through a free trial, allowing you to assess its value before deciding whether to pay for it. If you’re a new customer, you’re eligible for a one-month free trial of YouTube Premium. This gives you full access to all Premium features, including ad-free videos and YouTube Music. Although you won’t be charged during the trial period, you will need to provide payment information upfront. Once your trial ends, the subscription fee will be automatically charged unless you cancel beforehand. If you determine that YouTube Premium isn’t for you, simply cancel the trial to avoid any charges.
In addition to the standard trial, it’s also beneficial to look for free trial offers bundled with other services. For example, if you subscribe to Discord Nitro, you could be eligible for a three-month free trial of YouTube Premium—provided you’re not already a Premium subscriber. Discord users receive a code that can be redeemed on YouTube to activate the free trial.
Given Google’s partnerships with various companies, it’s common to find YouTube Premium bundled with other services or offers. These promotions are worth exploring if you want to try the service without paying upfront. Be on the lookout for similar deals with other subscriptions to take full advantage of free trials and make an informed decision about YouTube Premium.
Contributing to Creators
One aspect of YouTube Premium that often goes unnoticed is its role in revenue sharing. If you use an ad blocker to avoid ads on YouTube, you might think the Premium service offers little value. However, ad blockers prevent creators from earning revenue through your views, and for many, ad revenue is a significant part of their income.
With YouTube Premium, viewers enjoy an ad-free experience while still supporting their favorite creators. YouTube pools a portion of the revenue generated from Premium subscriptions and allocates it to creators based on the amount of watch time they receive from Premium users. This means that the more you watch a particular channel, the bigger share of the revenue they earn.
Even for videos that are demonetized under YouTube’s strict policies, creators can still generate income from Premium subscribers. This makes Premium a way for creators to continue earning, regardless of ad eligibility. If you’re thinking about starting your own YouTube channel, this revenue model could be a future source of income for you as well.
How to Sign Up for YouTube Premium
If you’ve decided to subscribe to YouTube Premium after learning about its many benefits, here’s how to sign up:
- Visit the YouTube Premium page on either your mobile device or computer.
- Sign in using your YouTube account credentials.
- Click on the “Try Free” button.
- You can then choose to start a free one-month trial or opt for one of the family or student plans.
How to Cancel YouTube Premium
If you find that YouTube Premium isn’t meeting your expectations or you’re not using it as much as anticipated, canceling is simple. Go to the ‘Paid Memberships’ section on your account, and select the option to cancel your subscription. You can reactivate your Premium account at any time if you choose to return later.
Premium Plans
If you’re still on the fence about whether to subscribe to YouTube Premium or have questions regarding payment options, the platform offers several plans to fit your needs:
YouTube Premium Individual
This plan costs $11.99 per month and includes all the benefits previously mentioned, such as the ability to download content, enjoy an ad-free experience, utilize background play, access YouTube Music, and watch YouTube Originals.
YouTube Premium Family
For $17.99 per month, this plan provides the full YouTube experience for families. You can share your subscription with up to five family members who reside at the same address. Each member will have their own preferences for content and viewing history.
YouTube Premium Student
The student plan is the most affordable option at just $6.99 per month. However, eligibility is limited to full-time students enrolled in educational institutions within select countries. This plan remains valid for four years, and you’ll need to verify your student status with the platform at the end of each academic year.
Premium for Content Creators
Many content creators primarily rely on ad revenue to monetize their channels. If you’re watching ad-free videos on YouTube Premium, you might wonder if your favorite creators are losing out. Fortunately, the answer is no. YouTube allocates a portion of the subscription fees to creators, meaning they earn more based on the amount of content you watch.
YouTube Premium Lite
As YouTube continues to explore various subscription options, it has introduced a trial version known as YouTube Premium Lite, which significantly lowers the monthly cost to $6.99. Currently in the testing phase, this option could be available more widely in the future.
In summary, these plans provide a comprehensive overview of YouTube Premium and how it impacts both users and content creators.
YouTube Ad Blockers
Regarding ad blockers, YouTube is taking a firm stance. The platform has initiated a “global effort” to combat ad blockers as part of its strategy to encourage users to upgrade to Premium.
Why You Should Subscribe to YouTube Premium
The choice between enjoying the benefits of YouTube Premium and sticking with the free version ultimately depends on your entertainment preferences and budget. Here are several strong reasons to think about making the upgrade:
Ad-Free Viewing Experience
One of the most significant advantages of subscribing to YouTube Premium is the ability to watch videos without interruptions from ads. This benefit extends across all platforms, including smart TVs, game consoles, tablets, and mobile devices. While YouTube eliminates video overlay ads, third-party banner ads, and search ads, some embedded ads may still appear, as these are enabled by the content creator, not YouTube itself. It’s worth noting that a portion of the subscription revenue goes to creators, allowing them to provide an ad-free experience to Premium subscribers.
Seamless Experience for YouTube Kids
For families using YouTube Kids, the ad-free feature becomes even more essential. Children often dislike interruptions during their favorite cartoons and shorts, and certain ads may not be appropriate for younger audiences. YouTube Premium ensures a smooth viewing experience for kids.
Continuous Music Playback
For music lovers, the ability to enjoy ad-free songs and uninterrupted playlists is a must. YouTube Premium offers the same benefits as YouTube Music Premium, which is also available as a standalone subscription for those who primarily want to listen to music or watch music videos.
Offline Viewing Options
As a YouTube Premium subscriber, you can download videos directly to your device for offline viewing. This is particularly useful during travel, whether on road trips or flights, or in areas with unreliable Wi-Fi. The YouTube Kids app also supports offline video downloads. Additionally, YouTube Premium includes a Smart Downloads feature, which automatically saves recommended content to your library for offline access, eliminating the need for manual searches.
Background Play Functionality
YouTube Premium, along with YouTube Music Premium and YouTube Kids, offers a background play feature. This allows you to listen to music or podcasts on YouTube while using other apps or even when your device’s screen is locked. This is especially beneficial for multitasking, whether you’re listening to a podcast while jogging or engaging in other activities. Furthermore, the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode allows you to watch videos while using other apps. Although this feature is available on the free YouTube Android app in the U.S., it has limitations on certain content, such as music videos.
Resume Watching Across Devices
YouTube Premium also offers the convenience of resuming videos or songs seamlessly across devices. The platform remembers your progress, allowing you to pick up where you left off, no matter which device you switch to.
Additional YouTube Premium Features
Here are some extra features exclusive to YouTube Premium members:
– Video Queueing: Set up a list of videos to watch next in the YouTube app while you’re currently watching another video.
– Custom Video Quality: Adjust video quality settings, such as watching in 1080p on iPhones and iPads.
– Viewing Statistics: Access an informative benefits page that provides insights into your viewing habits.
– Experimental Features: Try out new features, such as free-to-play games available on YouTube Playables.
In conclusion, YouTube Premium offers a range of features that enhance the overall viewing and listening experience, making it a worthwhile consideration for many users.
Reasons You Might Not Need a YouTube Premium Subscription
Both YouTube and YouTube Premium offer an extensive array of content for viewers. If you’re content with this variety and don’t mind watching ads, a YouTube Premium subscription may not be necessary for you. Here are some additional points to help you decide:
Cost Savings
One of the significant advantages of using YouTube without a subscription is the cost savings. Unlike many other streaming platforms, YouTube does not limit access to its content based on subscription status. You can tolerate ads while enjoying a broad range of entertainment options without spending any money. Moreover, if you opt for the YouTube Premium family plan, it can be a cost-effective solution if shared among multiple family members.
Limited Interest in Music
If you are not particularly fond of music or already subscribe to a service like Spotify, you may not find YouTube Music Premium necessary. You can continue to enjoy watching and listening to content on YouTube Music for free, albeit with ads, without needing the additional benefits that come with a premium subscription.
Changes in YouTube Originals
YouTube Originals, which once offered exclusive shows, is no longer a major draw for the service, as YouTube has shifted its focus towards the YouTube Partner Program. Consequently, many original series and movies are now available on other platforms. For instance, “Cobra Kai,” one of YouTube’s flagship hits, has since moved to Netflix. However, you can still watch many previous YouTube Originals, such as the reality series “Mind Field” and the documentary “BTS: Burn the Stage,” for free, although these will include ads.
In summary, if you’re satisfied with the free access to content on YouTube and can handle advertisements, you may choose to forgo a YouTube Premium subscription without missing out on much.
What does YouTube Premium include?
The primary appeal of YouTube Premium lies in its ability to eliminate commercials from your viewing experience. This means you can enjoy videos without interruptions from unskippable ads and the hassle of clicking the “Skip Ad” button after waiting through a countdown. If you’re curious about whether content creators earn revenue from viewers who have YouTube Premium, the answer is a bit nuanced, but they do benefit in the end.
YouTube previously produced original programming under the YouTube Red and YouTube Premium banners. Although this original content remains available for viewing, new series, now referred to as YouTube Originals, are not being produced in the same volume as before. Some series, like “Buddy System” by Rhett & Link, have even been made available for free to viewers who tolerate ads.
YouTube Premium Features
When you’re signed in to your Google account, you can access YouTube without ads and enjoy several exclusive features. Many of these perks are particularly beneficial for users on mobile devices, including:
– Background Play: You can leave the YouTube app or lock your phone while still listening to the audio of the video you were watching.
– Downloads: The YouTube app allows you to download your favorite videos directly to your phone, eliminating the need for third-party apps. However, you must connect to the internet at least once a month to maintain your downloaded videos.
– Smart Downloads: Utilizing your watch history and some algorithmic intelligence, the app automatically downloads several videos in the background for offline viewing.
– Mobile Video Queues: While video queuing for continuous playback is available for free on the web and TV apps, this feature is exclusive to YouTube Premium users on mobile devices.
Other features available across a variety of devices include:
YouTube Music: You’ll enjoy ad-free listening on YouTube Music, except for podcasts that contain embedded advertisements.
Experimental Features: YouTube often tests new features with Premium subscribers first. You can explore these at youtube.com/new. Recent experiments include AI-generated summaries of comments and in-app mini-games known as Playables, which have become a staple of the Premium experience.
Afterparties: Occasionally, YouTube collaborates with artists to host livestream events called Afterparties, typically occurring after a music video premiere. These events can be found in the YouTube page that outlines all your Premium benefits or within your home feed.
1080p Premium: This special resolution option allows for playback at a higher bitrate, enhancing the viewing experience with improved fidelity during fast-moving scenes, though it does not change the pixel resolution.
Co-watch on Google Meet: As a Premium subscriber, you can initiate a YouTube watch session during Google Meet video conferences, allowing for shared viewing experiences with participants in the meeting.
In summary, YouTube Premium offers a range of features designed to enhance your viewing experience, making it a compelling option for those seeking uninterrupted content.
What isn’t included with YouTube Premium?
YouTube Premium enhances many individual experiences on both YouTube and YouTube Music. However, if you choose to support creators by becoming a member of their channels or by sending Super Stickers and Super Chats during live streams or video premieres, those transactions are additional costs that are separate from your Premium subscription fee.
Additionally, most movies and all prime-time streaming channels available in YouTube’s catalog also require separate purchases or subscriptions. It’s important to note that YouTube Premium is not the same as YouTube TV; the latter involves a significantly higher fee for a comprehensive cable-like subscription package.
How YouTube Premium’s ad-free access and background play improve user experience.
Ad-Free Access: An Uninterrupted Viewing Experience
Imagine diving into a fascinating documentary or eagerly awaiting the latest episode of your favorite series, only to have your experience shattered by intrusive advertisements that interrupt the flow of the narrative. This frustration is common among many YouTube users, often leading to disengagement and a less enjoyable viewing experience.
YouTube Premium effectively tackles this issue by completely removing ads, allowing users to enjoy their content without interruptions. With an ad-free experience, there are no more bothersome pre-roll ads, disruptive mid-roll ads, or distracting overlay ads to interfere with the storytelling and diminish overall enjoyment.
With the elimination of ads, users can:
- Immerse Fully in Content: By removing interruptions, viewers can completely engage with the material, absorbing both the information and emotional nuances without distractions.
- Enhance Focus and Understanding: The absence of ads fosters improved concentration, making it easier to follow intricate storylines, comprehend educational content, or participate in stimulating discussions.
- Experience Greater Immersion: Ad-free viewing cultivates a more immersive atmosphere, allowing users to lose themselves in the content without disruptive breaks.
- Background Play: Seamless Multitasking
YouTube’s extensive library caters to a wide range of interests, from entertaining videos to educational tutorials and relaxing music. However, using traditional YouTube often requires keeping the app open and focused, which limits users’ ability to multitask or engage in other activities at the same time.
YouTube Premium’s background play feature eliminates this limitation, allowing users to continue enjoying their favorite content even when the app is minimized or the screen is off. This feature enables users to:
- Multitask Effortlessly: Whether exercising, cooking, or running errands, users can keep enjoying YouTube content without interrupting their ongoing tasks.
- Boost Productivity: Background play allows access to YouTube’s vast educational resources while working on other responsibilities, enhancing learning opportunities.
- Craft a Personalized Soundtrack: Users can elevate their daily activities by creating a personalized soundtrack of music, podcasts, or audiobooks that play in the background.
In summary, YouTube Premium’s ad-free access and background play features greatly improve the user experience by offering uninterrupted viewing, enabling smooth multitasking, and creating a more immersive and tailored content consumption journey.
Identify the genres and video lengths that perform best for YouTube Premium subscribers
Genre Preferences
YouTube Premium subscribers exhibit a broad range of genre preferences, with a strong inclination toward entertainment-focused content. Some of the most popular genres among these subscribers include:
- Comedy: Comedic content is highly favored, as many viewers look for lighthearted entertainment to relieve the stresses of daily life. Within this genre, subcategories such as sketch comedy, stand-up performances, and sitcoms are particularly popular.
- Action: Content that is action-packed, featuring thrilling plots and striking visuals, resonates well with subscribers. This genre provides an exhilarating experience and a sense of escapism.
- Drama: Emotionally rich dramas that explore intricate human relationships are also well-received. These dramas often tackle themes of love, loss, triumph, and tragedy, offering viewers a deeper emotional connection.
- Reality: Reality television provides insight into the lives of others, which can be both relatable and entertaining. Popular subgenres in this category include docu-series, talent competitions, and reality dramas that engage audiences with real-life narratives.
- Music: Subscribers show a keen interest in music videos and live performances, which present a variety of musical genres and styles to cater to different tastes.
Video Length Preferences
When it comes to video length, YouTube Premium subscribers tend to prefer shorter formats. They exhibit a higher engagement rate for videos that are under 10 minutes, indicating a preference for concise, easily digestible content that fits within a brief attention span.
At the same time, these subscribers also demonstrate an interest in longer-form content, particularly in genres like documentaries, dramas, and reality shows. This suggests that they are willing to dedicate more time to content that offers compelling narratives, thorough explorations of topics, or an immersive escapist experience.
In conclusion, YouTube Premium subscribers seek a harmonious blend of entertainment, relatability, and convenience. While they enjoy short videos for quick bursts of entertainment, they are also open to engaging with longer content that provides greater depth and an escape from everyday life.
Comparison chart of YouTube Premium vs competitors
This table outlines the key features of YouTube Premium, Spotify, and Prime Video, allowing for a clear comparison of costs, content offerings, device compatibility, and additional features such as ad-free experiences and download options.
- Additional Considerations
YouTube Premium stands out by providing an extensive variety of content, which encompasses music videos, vlogs, educational material, and much more. This diverse selection allows viewers to explore different genres and formats.
Spotify excels in offering curated playlists and personalized music suggestions, making it a top choice for those who prioritize music and podcasts in their streaming experience.
On the other hand, Prime Video boasts a robust catalog of movies and TV shows, featuring numerous award-winning Amazon Originals that attract film and television enthusiasts.
Ultimately, the best streaming service for you hinges on your personal preferences and needs. If you have a passion for music and podcasts, Spotify could be the ideal platform. However, if you seek a broader range of content, including exclusive original series, YouTube Premium might be the better fit. For those who are already Amazon Prime members, utilizing Prime Video can enhance your membership’s value significantly.
YouTube Premium – Frequently Asked Questions
Which streaming service has the best music library?
Spotify boasts the most extensive music library among the three options, featuring over 82 million songs. Nonetheless, YouTube Premium also provides a significant selection of music videos, offering an excellent opportunity for users to discover new artists and tracks.
Which streaming service has the best video library?
Prime Video holds the title for the largest video library, comprising over 24,000 movies and TV shows. However, YouTube Premium features a diverse array of original content, including hit series like Cobra Kai and The Lizzie McGuire Reboot.
Which streaming service is the most cost-effective?
Both Spotify and YouTube Premium are priced at $11.99 per month. In contrast, Prime Video is included with an Amazon Prime membership that costs $14.99 monthly. For existing Amazon Prime members, Prime Video becomes the most budget-friendly choice.
How Do YouTube Premium and YouTube Music Premium Differ?
YouTube Premium provides an ad-free experience, allowing users to enjoy videos offline and play them in the background on the YouTube app. Additionally, it includes YouTube Music Premium as part of the subscription. With YouTube Music Premium, accessible via the YouTube Music app, subscribers can enjoy a library exceeding 100 million songs without ads, download tracks for offline listening, and play music with the screen locked.
How can I play videos and music in the background?
To utilize background play on YouTube Premium, which is enabled by default for the YouTube, YouTube Music, and YouTube Kids apps, start a video or music track and then exit the app. The content will continue to play until paused. You can disable this feature anytime by navigating to your app settings, selecting “Background Play” under “Background & Downloads,” and choosing from the options: Always on, Off, or Headphones or external speakers.
How do I download music and videos?
You can download videos and music for offline viewing and listening using the YouTube, YouTube Music, or YouTube Kids apps on your mobile device. Additionally, videos can be downloaded for offline playback on your computer using Chrome, Edge, or Opera browsers. After downloading, you’ll be able to enjoy the content offline for up to 30 days without needing an internet connection. To download a video on your computer with a YouTube Premium account, simply select the video and click the “Download” button located below it.
Conclusion
YouTube Premium, Spotify, and Prime Video each provide excellent streaming options, catering to different preferences and interests. Your ideal choice will hinge on what you value most in a service. If music is your passion, Spotify stands out as a fantastic alternative. On the other hand, if you seek a broader range of content, YouTube Premium could better suit your needs. Additionally, if you already hold an Amazon Prime membership, Prime Video offers a fantastic opportunity to enhance your existing subscription with a wealth of movies and shows.
To make an informed decision about which service aligns best with your tastes, System SocialZ advises you to consider taking advantage of the free trial offers provided by most streaming platforms. This way, you can explore each service firsthand and determine which one resonates with you the most.