Introduction
YouTube has become an integral part of our everyday lives, offering a vast collection of videos on various topics ranging from entertainment to education. With its immense popularity, it’s not surprising that YouTube decided to introduce a premium subscription service called YouTube Premium. While the idea of paying for a service that was once free might seem questionable to some, YouTube Premium offers a range of exclusive features and benefits that make it an attractive option for many users.
YouTube Premium, previously known as YouTube Red, offers a premium experience that goes beyond just ad-free videos. For a monthly fee, subscribers gain access to a wide range of exclusive features, including background play, offline playback, access to YouTube Music, and original content. However, some users might hesitate to subscribe due to its cost, which is higher compared to other streaming services. In this article, we will explore why YouTube Premium is considered expensive and whether the benefits it provides are worth the price.
While YouTube remains a free platform, the introduction of YouTube Premium was driven by the need to provide an ad-free experience to its users. With YouTube Premium, subscribers can enjoy their favorite videos without any interruptions from ads. This allows for a more immersive and uninterrupted viewing experience, making it a valuable feature for those who spend a lot of time watching YouTube videos. It also supports content creators by offering them a new revenue stream, as they receive a portion of the subscription fee.
Another key feature of YouTube Premium is the ability to play videos in the background, even when the app is minimized or the screen is turned off. This is particularly useful for those who enjoy listening to music or podcasts on YouTube while performing other tasks on their devices. Whether you’re working, browsing the web, or using other apps, you can continue to listen to your favorite videos without any interruptions.
The Cost of YouTube Premium
One of the main concerns users have when considering YouTube Premium is its cost. Compared to other streaming services like Netflix or Spotify, YouTube Premium may seem more expensive. The monthly subscription fee for YouTube Premium varies depending on your location, but it generally ranges from $11.99 to $15.99 per month. Additionally, there are family and student plans available at discounted rates.
It’s important to consider what you get for the price you pay with YouTube Premium. The ad-free experience alone can greatly enhance your enjoyment of YouTube, removing the annoyance of interruptions from ads. This is especially beneficial for those who spend a significant amount of time on the platform watching videos.
Moreover, YouTube Premium offers access to YouTube Music, a dedicated music streaming service, as part of the subscription package. With YouTube Music, you can stream millions of songs, create playlists, discover new artists, and enjoy personalized recommendations. For avid music lovers, this added feature makes YouTube Premium more enticing and can save money compared to separate music subscription services.
Another factor that affects the cost of YouTube Premium is the availability of original content. YouTube Originals are exclusive shows, movies, and documentaries produced by YouTube. While not as extensive as the libraries of other streaming services, YouTube Originals provide unique and high-quality content that cannot be found elsewhere. If you enjoy these original productions and want access to them, YouTube Premium becomes an even more valuable investment.
Additionally, YouTube Premium offers the convenience of offline playback. With this feature, you can download videos to your mobile device and watch them later, even without an internet connection. This is particularly useful for travelers or those with limited data plans, as you can save on data usage by pre-downloading videos for offline viewing.
When comparing the cost of YouTube Premium with other streaming services, it’s important to consider the unique features it offers. While it may seem more expensive on the surface, the ad-free experience, access to YouTube Music, original content, and offline playback make it a comprehensive package for those who value these benefits.
Ad-Free Experience
One of the standout features of YouTube Premium is its offering of an ad-free experience. For many users, ads can be a disruption and a source of frustration when trying to enjoy their favorite videos. With YouTube Premium, you can say goodbye to those pesky ads and enjoy uninterrupted viewing.
By subscribing to YouTube Premium, you can watch videos without any commercial interruptions. This includes both display ads and those annoying pre-roll ads that can make you wait before accessing the content you want to watch. This ad-free experience allows you to fully immerse yourself in the videos you love without any distractions.
In addition to providing an ad-free experience, YouTube Premium also helps support content creators. With traditional YouTube, creators rely on ad revenue to make money from their videos. However, with the rise of ad-blockers and viewers skipping ads, it has become increasingly challenging for creators to earn a steady income. By subscribing to YouTube Premium, you contribute to a pool of money that is distributed to creators based on the amount of time viewers spend watching their content.
This provides creators with an alternative source of revenue and allows them to focus on producing high-quality content that caters to their audience’s preferences, without solely relying on ads. It’s a win-win situation; you get to enjoy an uninterrupted viewing experience, and creators receive support for their hard work.
Furthermore, the absence of ads also has practical benefits. It reduces the amount of time spent waiting for ads to finish, allowing you to have more efficient viewing sessions. Whether you’re binge-watching your favorite series, learning new skills, or simply enjoying entertaining content, the lack of ads ensures a smooth and uninterrupted experience.
While the ad-free experience is not unique to YouTube Premium, as some ad-blockers can accomplish this for free, subscribing to YouTube Premium provides a legal and ethical way to support both YouTube and the creators you love while enjoying a seamless viewing experience.
Background Play
One of the standout features of YouTube Premium is the ability to play videos in the background. This feature allows you to continue listening to audio from YouTube videos even when you switch to another app or lock your device. Whether you want to listen to music, podcasts, or educational content, background play ensures that you don’t miss a beat.
Prior to YouTube Premium, playing YouTube videos in the background was not possible without the help of third-party apps or workarounds. However, with a YouTube Premium subscription, this feature is seamlessly built into the YouTube app itself.
Background play is particularly useful for those who enjoy listening to music or audio content while multitasking. You can keep the YouTube app running in the background and switch to other apps or perform other tasks on your device, all while continuing to listen to the audio from your selected video.
For example, you can turn on a podcast or a music video, switch to your email app to catch up on messages, or browse the web while still enjoying uninterrupted audio playback. This feature enhances productivity and convenience, allowing you to make the most of your time without sacrificing entertainment or educational opportunities on YouTube.
Furthermore, background play can be a game-changer for those who use YouTube for studying or learning purposes. Whether you’re following a tutorial, language lesson, or educational lecture, you can listen to the audio while taking notes or conducting research on other topics.
It’s important to note that background play is not available to free YouTube users, as the feature is exclusive to YouTube Premium subscribers. By investing in a YouTube Premium subscription, you gain the convenience and flexibility of background play, making your YouTube experience even more versatile and tailored to your needs.
In summary, background play is a valuable feature offered by YouTube Premium that allows you to continue listening to audio from YouTube videos while using other apps or when your device’s screen is turned off. It enhances multitasking, productivity, and the overall user experience, making YouTube Premium a worthwhile investment for those who value uninterrupted audio playback.
Offline Playback
One of the standout features of YouTube Premium is the ability to download videos for offline playback. This feature allows you to save your favorite videos directly to your device and watch them later, even without an internet connection. Whether you’re traveling, in an area with limited or no internet access, or simply want to conserve your data, offline playback provides a convenient solution.
Prior to YouTube Premium, saving YouTube videos for offline viewing required the use of third-party apps or unreliable methods that violated YouTube’s terms of service. With a YouTube Premium subscription, you can easily and legally download videos directly from the YouTube app, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.
The process of downloading videos for offline playback is straightforward. Simply select the video you want to save, look for the download button, and choose the desired quality for your download. Once the video is downloaded, you can access it anytime in the YouTube app’s library, even without an internet connection.
The ability to download videos for offline viewing can be incredibly useful in various scenarios. For example, if you’re traveling by plane, train, or car, where reliable internet access may not be available, having pre-downloaded videos can provide entertainment during the journey. It’s also valuable for those with limited data plans, as downloading videos to watch later can help save on data usage.
Moreover, offline playback is a great feature for those attending conferences, seminars, or classes where internet access may be limited or prohibited. You can download educational videos, tutorials, or lectures in advance and have them readily available for reference or study purposes.
Offline playback also offers benefits to content creators. By allowing viewers to download their videos, creators can reach a wider audience, even in regions with limited internet connectivity. This feature enhances accessibility and enables people from various backgrounds to access and enjoy content on YouTube.
Overall, the ability to download videos for offline playback is a highly valuable feature that YouTube Premium offers. It provides flexibility, accessibility, and convenience for users, allowing them to enjoy their favorite videos whenever and wherever they want, without worrying about internet connectivity or data usage.
YouTube Music
YouTube Premium not only provides an ad-free experience and exclusive features for the main YouTube app, but it also includes access to YouTube Music. YouTube Music is a dedicated music streaming service that offers a vast library of songs, personalized playlists, and a host of unique features specifically designed for music lovers.
With YouTube Music, you can explore millions of songs across various genres and artists. From the latest chart-toppers to classic hits, YouTube Music has a diverse collection that caters to all musical tastes. Whether you’re into rock, pop, hip-hop, jazz, or any other genre, you’re sure to find something that suits your preferences.
One of the standout features of YouTube Music is its personalized recommendations. Based on your listening history, YouTube Music creates custom playlists and recommends songs, artists, and albums that align with your musical interests. This helps you discover new music you may not have otherwise stumbled upon, expanding your musical horizons.
In addition to standard music playback, YouTube Music also offers music videos, live performances, and exclusive remixes. This gives you a unique and comprehensive music streaming experience, combining both audio and visual elements of your favorite songs.
Moreover, YouTube Music integrates seamlessly with the YouTube app. This means that if you find a music video or live performance on YouTube, you can easily switch to YouTube Music for a more focused and immersive music listening experience without any interruptions from unrelated video content.
You can also download songs for offline listening through the YouTube Music app. This feature allows you to access your favorite tracks even when you’re not connected to the internet. Whether you’re on a road trip, working out at the gym, or simply want to save on data usage, offline playback ensures that your favorite music is always at your fingertips.
YouTube Music is available as a standalone app, but with a YouTube Premium subscription, you get access to its full suite of features as part of the package. This makes YouTube Premium a compelling choice for music lovers, as it combines the benefits of an ad-free YouTube experience with a robust music streaming service.
In summary, YouTube Music offers a comprehensive and personalized music streaming experience. It provides access to a vast library of songs, personalized recommendations, music videos, and the ability to download music for offline listening. With YouTube Premium, you get all of these features, making it a compelling option for those who enjoy both video content and music on the YouTube platform.
Original Content
YouTube Premium stands out among other streaming services by offering exclusive original content. YouTube Originals are a collection of shows, movies, and documentaries produced specifically for YouTube Premium subscribers. This added benefit provides subscribers with access to unique, high-quality content that cannot be found elsewhere.
YouTube Originals cover a wide range of genres and topics, catering to diverse interests and preferences. From scripted series to reality shows, from dramas to comedies, YouTube Originals offer something for everyone. The content is produced by established creators as well as up-and-coming talents, ensuring a fresh and innovative lineup.
One of the advantages of YouTube Originals is that they often feature popular YouTube creators and personalities, allowing fans to see their favorite content creators in new and exciting formats. These collaborations between YouTube creators and professional production teams create a dynamic and entertaining viewing experience.
YouTube Originals also provide a platform for lesser-known creators to showcase their talents and gain recognition. With the support of YouTube’s production resources and distribution, these creators have the opportunity to create and share original content that reaches a wider audience.
The inclusion of original content in YouTube Premium adds value to the subscription by offering something unique and exclusive. It sets YouTube Premium apart from other streaming services and offers subscribers a different and fresh viewing experience.
In addition, YouTube Originals often generate buzz and cultural relevance, making them a topic of discussion among viewers. Whether it’s a thought-provoking documentary, a gripping drama series, or a hilarious comedy, YouTube Originals have the potential to captivate audiences and create memorable moments that spark conversations.
YouTube’s investment in original content highlights its commitment to diversifying its offerings beyond just user-generated content. By producing and promoting original shows, YouTube aims to establish itself as a player in the competitive streaming landscape, providing a platform for both established and emerging talent to thrive.
In summary, YouTube Premium’s inclusion of original content is a significant draw for subscribers. YouTube Originals offer a diverse range of shows, movies, and documentaries that showcase the creativity and talent of YouTube creators and professional production teams. These exclusive offerings provide a distinct and captivating viewing experience that sets YouTube Premium apart from other streaming services.
Comparison with Other Streaming Services
When considering whether YouTube Premium is worth the cost, it’s important to compare it with other streaming services available in the market. While YouTube Premium may seem more expensive on the surface, it offers unique features and benefits that differentiate it from its competitors.
One of the primary advantages of YouTube Premium is its ad-free experience. While other streaming services may offer ad-free options at a similar or lower price, YouTube Premium goes beyond ad-blocking to ensure a truly uninterrupted viewing experience. This is particularly important for YouTube enthusiasts who spend a significant amount of time on the platform watching videos.
Another factor to consider is the inclusion of YouTube Music as part of the YouTube Premium subscription. This gives subscribers access to an extensive library of music and personalized recommendations, which is a valuable addition for music lovers. When compared to standalone music streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music, YouTube Premium’s inclusion of YouTube Music can save users money by combining both video and music streaming services.
In terms of original content, YouTube Premium offers an ever-expanding collection of YouTube Originals, ranging from highly-produced scripted series to engaging documentaries and reality shows. While other streaming services have a wider selection of original content, YouTube Originals provide a unique opportunity to see popular YouTube creators in new and exciting formats, offering a fresh perspective that cannot be found elsewhere.
Moreover, YouTube Premium provides additional features such as background play and offline playback, which may not be available or require separate subscriptions with other streaming services. These features enhance the overall user experience by allowing for multitasking and convenient access to content, even without an internet connection.
When comparing the cost of YouTube Premium with other streaming services, it’s important to consider the value you are getting in return. While YouTube Premium may be slightly more expensive, its combination of ad-free experience, access to YouTube Music, original content, and additional features make it a comprehensive package that caters to both video and music enthusiasts.
Ultimately, the decision of whether YouTube Premium is worth the cost will depend on your personal preferences and usage habits. If you spend a significant amount of time on YouTube, enjoy discovering new music, or appreciate exclusive content, then the features and benefits offered by YouTube Premium may justify the higher price point.
In summary, while YouTube Premium may be considered more expensive compared to other streaming services, its unique features such as ad-free experience, access to YouTube Music, original content, and additional features set it apart from the competition. When evaluating the cost, it’s important to consider the value and convenience that YouTube Premium provides for both video and music streaming.
Additional Features
YouTube Premium offers a range of additional features that enhance the overall user experience and add value to the subscription beyond just an ad-free experience and access to YouTube Music. These features provide convenience, flexibility, and customization options, making YouTube Premium a compelling choice for users looking for more than just basic video streaming.
One of the notable additional features of YouTube Premium is the ability to customize video playback quality. With YouTube Premium, you can control the resolution of the videos you watch, allowing you to prioritize video quality or save on data usage, depending on your preferences and circumstances. This flexibility ensures that you have the best viewing experience based on your internet connection or data plan limitations.
Furthermore, YouTube Premium also offers exclusive access to YouTube Originals before they are released to the public. Subscribers get early access to new shows, movies, and documentaries, allowing them to be among the first to experience these exclusive productions. This early access provides an added element of excitement and enhances the overall value of the subscription.
In addition to these features, YouTube Premium also provides access to YouTube Kids. This separate app offers a safe and age-appropriate environment for children to explore and enjoy content on YouTube. Parents can set up profiles for their children, filter content, and have peace of mind knowing that their kids are engaging with suitable content.
YouTube Premium also supports cross-platform viewing. Subscribers can watch YouTube videos on multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs. This seamless transition across devices ensures that you can pick up where you left off and continue enjoying your favorite videos without interruption.
Another feature exclusive to YouTube Premium is the ability to access YouTube Originals and YouTube Music even when traveling internationally. With a YouTube Premium subscription, you can enjoy the same benefits and features of YouTube Premium in over 70 countries worldwide. This flexibility makes it easier to stay connected and entertained, no matter where you are.
Additionally, YouTube Premium subscribers receive premium customer support, providing priority assistance and a dedicated support team. If you encounter any issues or have questions regarding your subscription or the platform, you can rely on prompt and personalized assistance to resolve any concerns.
Overall, YouTube Premium offers a range of additional features that go beyond the basic ad-free experience. Customizable video playback quality, early access to YouTube Originals, access to YouTube Kids, cross-platform viewing, international access, and premium customer support all contribute to making YouTube Premium a comprehensive and value-packed subscription service.
Conclusion
YouTube Premium is a subscription service that offers a range of exclusive features and benefits, making it a compelling choice for users who want an enhanced and personalized video streaming experience. While the cost of YouTube Premium may appear higher compared to other streaming services, it provides unique features that differentiate it from the competition.
The ad-free experience alone makes YouTube Premium an attractive option for those who spend a significant amount of time watching YouTube videos. Removing ads allows for uninterrupted viewing and eliminates the frustration of commercial interruptions.
In addition to the ad-free experience, YouTube Premium offers access to YouTube Music, a dedicated music streaming service. This inclusion provides subscribers with a vast library of songs, personalized recommendations, and the convenience of having music and video streaming combined into one service.
YouTube Premium also stands out with its offering of original content through YouTube Originals. These exclusive shows, movies, and documentaries provide a unique viewing experience and feature popular YouTube creators alongside professional production teams.
The additional features, such as background play, offline playback, customizable video quality, access to YouTube Kids, cross-platform viewing, international access, and premium customer support, further enhance the value of YouTube Premium and cater to different preferences and needs.
While YouTube Premium may have a higher price point compared to other streaming services, its combination of ad-free experience, exclusive music streaming, original content, and additional features make it a comprehensive and worthwhile investment for those who value the convenience, customization, and exclusive content offered by YouTube Premium.
In conclusion, YouTube Premium provides a premium video streaming experience that goes beyond just the basic features. It offers an ad-free experience, exclusive access to YouTube Music and original content, along with additional features that enhance convenience and customization options. While the cost may be higher compared to other streaming services, the unique features and benefits make YouTube Premium a value-packed subscription for those who want more from their video streaming service.
