YouTube Premium is a subscription service that enhances the user experience by offering a range of additional benefits. It provides more than just a platform for watching videos; it’s a comprehensive streaming service designed for both video and music enthusiasts.
YouTube Premium offers several subscription options with varying prices and features. The individual plan costs $13.99 per month, while the family plan, which allows up to five additional members, is priced at $29.99 per month. Students can access YouTube Premium at a discounted rate of $7.99 per month, subject to annual verification. Additionally, an annual individual plan is available for $139.99, which offers a 15% discount compared to the monthly option.
YouTube Premium Plans & Pricing (2025)
YouTube Premium offers an enhanced viewing experience by removing ads, enabling offline downloads, and providing access to exclusive content. This guide breaks down the available plans, pricing, and key benefits to help you decide which option suits you best in 2025.
Pricing varies by country, but here are the common plans available in many regions:
| Plan Type | Monthly Price (USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $13.99 | Ad-free videos, background play, downloads |
| Family | $29.99 | Up to 6 family members, all Premium benefits |
| Student | $7.99 | Discounted plan for eligible students |
| Music Premium | $10.99 | Ad-free music videos and audio, no video ads |
Note: Prices can vary globally — for example, plans start as low as $0.90/month in Argentina and can be as high as $21.12/month in Switzerland.
Key Benefits of YouTube Premium
1. Ad-Free Viewing
- Watch all videos without interruptions from ads.
- Includes ads on both regular videos and YouTube Music.
2. Background Play
- Continue playing videos or music while using other apps or with the screen off.
- Ideal for multitasking or listening on the go.
3. Offline Downloads
- Download videos and music to watch offline.
- Manage downloads easily within the app.
4. YouTube Music Premium
- Access to YouTube Music’s full catalog without ads.
- Background play and offline listening included.
5. Access to YouTube Originals
- Exclusive shows, movies, and series produced by YouTube.
- Available only to Premium subscribers.
Choosing the Right Plan
- Individual Plan: Best if you’re a solo user wanting ad-free and offline access.
- Family Plan: Cost-effective for households with multiple users (up to 6).
- Student Plan: Affordable option for verified students.
- Music Premium: If you mainly want ad-free music without full video benefits.
How to Subscribe
- Visit YouTube Premium.
- Select your preferred plan.
- Sign in with your Google account.
- Enter payment details and start your subscription.
- Enjoy a 1-month free trial (available in many regions).
Summary
YouTube Premium in 2025 offers flexible plans tailored to different user needs, combining ad-free viewing, offline capabilities, and exclusive content. Whether you want uninterrupted videos, music on the go, or family sharing, there’s a plan for you.
Plan Breakdown From YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/premium
Individual
Monthly – $13.99/month
Annual – 12 months for $139.99 (Save 15% vs. monthly plan)
Doesn’t automatically renew. Restrictions apply.
Student
Monthly – $7.99/month
Eligible students only. Annual verification required. Restrictions apply.
Premium Lite
Lower-priced membership that offers most videos ad-free.
Monthly – $7.99/month
Most videos ad-free*
Ad-free YouTube Music, Downloads, Background play
*Ads may appear on music content, Shorts, and when you search or browse. Restrictions apply.
YouTube Premium: Your Ticket to Uninterrupted Entertainment
Current Plan Options for YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium offers a variety of plans to suit different needs and budgets. Each plan comes with its own set of benefits, so you can choose the one that best fits your lifestyle.
| Plan | Price (monthly) | Benefits | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | $13.99 | Ad-free videos, background play, offline downloads, YouTube Music Premium | Solo viewers |
| Family | $29.99 | All the benefits of Individual, up to 5 additional family members (13+) | Households |
| Student | $6.99 | All the benefits of Individual, must verify student status yearly | College students |
Additional Options:
- Annual Plan: Save with a yearly payment instead of monthly billing.
- Prepaid Plans: Buy a set amount of time for YouTube Premium upfront.
Why Choose YouTube Premium?
Beyond just removing ads, YouTube Premium offers a range of features that can enhance your viewing experience:
- Background Play: Keep listening even when your phone is locked or using other apps.
- Offline Downloads: Save videos to watch on the go, even without internet access.
- YouTube Music Premium: Get ad-free music streaming, background listening, and offline downloads for songs.
- YouTube Originals: Access exclusive shows and movies created just for Premium members.
Is YouTube Premium Right for You?
Consider these factors to decide if a Premium membership is worth it:
- How much do you use YouTube? If you’re a frequent viewer, Premium’s ad-free experience alone might be worth it.
- Do you watch videos on the go? Offline downloads and background play are great for commuters and travelers.
- Do you listen to music on YouTube? YouTube Music Premium is a nice bonus for music lovers.
Overview of YouTube Premium
Subscription Benefits
Subscribers of YouTube Premium enjoy a wide range of benefits that include:
- Offline Viewing: Users can download videos and watch them later without an internet connection.
- Background Play: This feature allows the playback of videos even when the app is not actively in use or the screen is off, which is great for multitasking.
- YouTube Music Premium: Included in the subscription is access to YouTube Music Premium, providing a music streaming service with millions of songs, without interruptions from ads.
Ad-Free Experience
One of the key advantages of a YouTube Premium subscription is the ad-free experience. Users can:
- Watch Videos Without Ads: Enjoy uninterrupted streaming of YouTube videos without any advertisements before, during, or after the video.
- No Ads on Music: Listen to music without ad breaks, which is ideal for keeping the vibe going without any interruptions.
Membership Options and Pricing
YouTube Premium offers various plans to cater to individual needs and preferences, providing users with ad-free videos, background play, and offline access to content.
Individual Plans
United States: An individual plan costs $11.99/month when subscribed through the web or Android devices. However, for those using iOS, the subscription fee is $15.99/month due to the additional fees Apple charges app developers. Canada, Mexico, Russia, Germany, Brazil, Turkey, Thailand, India, Japan, and Australia also have the service available, with prices adjusted according to the local market.
Family and Student Plans
Family Monthly Plan: Priced at $29.99/month in the US, the family plan lets you add up to five family members aged 13 and older. Each member gets individual access to the Premium services. Student Plan: Offers a discounted rate for eligible students. Verification is required, and the discounted rate varies by country. Students can enjoy the same benefits as the individual plan but at a budget-friendly cost.
Note, family plans are no longer offered to all users. According to Reddit:
YouTube has restricted access to its Family Plan subscription, making it available only to accounts that meet specific eligibility criteria. As of last week, the change has been rolled out globally including major markets such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada with many users now finding the Family Plan option missing entirely, depending on their account’s eligibility.
According to a source at Google familiar with the matter, the new limitations are part of an effort to curb widespread abuse of the Family Plan. The subscription, originally intended for households, had been increasingly exploited by users sharing it with friends or strangers in other countries. A practice that violates YouTube’s terms of service. To address this, YouTube has begun implementing stricter account checks that determine whether the Family Plan option is displayed. Google has not publicly disclosed the exact criteria for eligibility, and the policy was initially tested in select regions before expanding globally.
Additional Features and Considerations
When considering YouTube Premium, subscribers gain access to features that enhance the viewing experience significantly, as well as content that can’t be found with the standard offering.
Offline Playback and Exclusive Content
YouTube Premium allows users to download videos and playlists directly onto their devices, which makes watching on-the-go possible without an internet connection. It opens the door to an ad-free experience, background play, where videos continue to play when using other apps or when the screen is off, and the ability to save content for offline viewing. This service also offers YouTube Music Premium, which enables a similar download and background play functionality for music. Subscribers enjoy access to a broad library of songs and videos offered by YouTube Music, along with the added benefit of downloadable content for offline listening. YouTube Originals offer original series and movies, crafted exclusively for Premium members.
Comparing with Other Services
When matched against other streaming services like Netflix and Spotify, YouTube Premium carves out its unique niche. Unlike Netflix, which focuses on movies and series, YouTube Premium combines music streaming through YouTube Music Premium with a vast array of video content, including user-generated content and professional productions. Spotify, a leader in music streaming, rivals YouTube Music Premium’s features. However, YouTube Premium allows video downloads and provides a mixed media experience that Spotify does not. The free trial offered by YouTube Premium serves as an introduction to these services, enabling new users to compare its offerings directly with competing platforms.
In a nutshell, YouTube Premium hands users a key to a wide range of features away from the standard limitations of internet availability, enhanced by exclusive content tailored for its subscribers. Moreover, it allows for a comparative choice alongside other entertainment and music services available in the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section covers the most commonly asked questions about YouTube Premium, including pricing, family plans, student discounts, benefits, annual options, and the overall value of the subscription.
What are the current pricing options for YouTube Premium?
YouTube Premium currently offers a monthly subscription at $13.99. There is also an annual payment option priced at $139.99, which helps save 15% compared to the monthly payments.
How does the family plan for YouTube Premium work?
The family plan allows multiple family members to enjoy YouTube Premium benefits. Each member of the family gets their own separate account, and the service can be used on different devices simultaneously.
Is there a discounted YouTube Premium plan available for students?
Yes, YouTube Premium does provide a discounted rate for students, making it more affordable. However, eligibility requirements and specific pricing details should be checked as they can change.
What are the benefits of subscribing to YouTube Premium?
Subscribers to YouTube Premium can enjoy ad-free videos, background play, and the ability to download content for offline viewing. Moreover, they gain access to all YouTube Originals.
Can YouTube Premium be purchased on an annual basis for a reduced rate?
Yes, an annual subscription option for YouTube Premium is available, costing $119.99 which offers savings compared to the monthly subscription over a year.
Is investing in a YouTube Premium subscription considered valuable?
Subscribing to YouTube Premium can be worth the investment for users who frequently watch videos and seek an uninterrupted experience without ads, along with the added perks of offline viewing and exclusive content.