How Much Is YouTube Premium? Your Friendly Plans, Costs and More

YouTube is an information pool, but ads are a distraction. What if you could completely cut off pop-up ads and get some other legit features?

Get YouTube Premium. Although you have to spend a small amount to get it, it is highly beneficial. It is an outstanding YouTube update that removes ads while streaming your content. Additionally, a ton of features are offered, including background play, offline downloads, and access to ad-free YouTube Music Premium.

I’ve been using this feature myself for a while, and trust me—it’s worth spending on!

Let’s break down the costs of the Individual Plan, Family Plan, and Student Plan. Also, I’ll share some fresh stats and pro tips to help you decide if it’s right for you.

Ready? Let’s go!

What You Get with YouTube Premium

Before we talk dollars, let’s see what YouTube Premium brings to the table. It’s not just about skipping ads (though that’s a huge perk). You also get to download videos for offline watching, play them in the background while your phone’s doing other things, and enjoy YouTube Music without interruptions. I’ve used it on road trips when I was away from the internet—those downloaded videos are a lifesaver!

As of April 2025, YouTube Premium has over 125 million subscribers worldwide, including free trial users, according to recent reports. That’s a big jump from the 100 million mark it hit in early 2024. It shows how many folks love the ad-free life. For me, it’s the combo of video and music perks that seals the deal.

How Much Does YouTube Premium Cost in the US?

Alright, let’s know the numbers game. In the United States, YouTube Premium has a few plans to pick from, depending on who’s using it. Here’s the list as of 2025:

• Individual Plan: This costs $13.99 per month. If you pay yearly, it’s $139.99, saving you about $28 over the monthly option. I went annual last year—it felt good to lock in that discount!
• Family Plan: For up to five people in one household, it’s $22.99 per month. That’s less than $5 per person if you split it. My cousins and I share one—it’s a steal.
• Student Plan: If you’re in school, you pay just $7.99 per month. Verify that you’re a student, but it’s a sweet deal. I wish I’d known about this back in my college days!

Prices haven’t spiked in the US since the last bump in July 2023, when it went from $11.99 to $13.99 for individuals. But keep an eye out—some countries saw hikes in late 2024, so it could happen here too.

Quick Stat

A 2025 survey from Statista says 27.9 million US users are on YouTube Premium. That’s a chunk of the 2.7 billion monthly active YouTube users worldwide. People are clearly into it!

What About Costs Around the World?

YouTube Premium’s price changes depending on where you live. They tweak it to match local economies. Here’s a peek at some spots as of early 2025:

• India: It’s super affordable at $1.54 per month (about 129 INR). With 476 million YouTube users there, it’s no surprise they keep it low.
• UK: You’ll pay $17.34 per month (£13.99). A bit pricier, but the features stay the same.
• Australia: It’s $11.63 per month (AU$16.99 for some plans). Not bad for down under!
• Switzerland: The high end hits $21.12 per month. Ouch, but it reflects their cost of living.

I’ve got a friend in India who raves about how cheap it is there. Makes me jealous sometimes! Prices can shift, though—check YouTube’s official site for the latest in your area.

Pro Tip

Try a VPN: If you’re traveling or curious, a VPN can show you cheaper rates in other countries. Just don’t expect YouTube to love it—they might catch on!

Why the Price Varies

You might wonder why costs differ so much. YouTube looks at local buying power and competition. In India, they compete with super-cheap streaming options, so they keep it low. In places like the UK or US, folks are used to paying more for subscriptions like Netflix or Spotify, so YouTube matches that vibe. I’ve noticed they’re smart about balancing value and price—keeps users hooked without breaking the bank.

Is YouTube Premium Worth the Cost?

Here’s where it gets personal. For me, $13.99 a month feels fair. I watch YouTube daily—cooking tutorials, music playlists, random vlogs. Ads used to drive me nuts, popping up mid-recipe. Now? Smooth sailing. Plus, YouTube Music saves me from needing Spotify, which is $10.99 on its own. Two services for a few bucks more? Yes, please!

A 2025 TechRadar piece said users save about 10 hours a year skipping ads with Premium. That’s time I’d rather spend watching, not waiting. If you’re a casual viewer, though, you might not feel the same.

Useful Tip

Test the Trial: New users get a one-month free trial. I tried it before committing—gave me a feel for the perks without spending a dime.

How to Sign Up and Save

Getting YouTube Premium is a breeze. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open YouTube on your phone or computer.
2. Click your profile picture, then “Get YouTube Premium.”
3. Pick your plan—individual, family, or student.
4. Add your payment info, and you’re set!

If you want to save, go for the annual plan if you’re sure you’ll stick around. Or split a family plan with friends. I’ve also seen promos, like a $2 monthly discount if you bundle with Google One Premium (2TB or higher). Keep an eye on YouTube’s site for deals!

Why to Grab YouTube Premium (Top 10 Reasons)

Here’s why I think it’s awesome. Let’s know 10 legitimate reasons for it:

1. No ads ruin your video flow.
2. Downloads work offline anywhere.
3. Background play keeps music going.
4. YouTube Music comes free with it.
5. Saves time skipping interruptions.
6. Picture-in-picture rocks on phones.
7. Supports creators you love.
8. Easy to share with family.
9. Affordable student option exists.
10. New features drop for Premium first.

All the features are great to use. Background play is one of the best for multitasking while streaming your content.

Top 5 Alternatives to YouTube Premium

No one can beat YouTube Premium and its outstanding features. However, if you are still looking for alternatives, we have compiled a research-based list.

1. Ad Blockers: They are Free, but YouTube fights them hard now.
2. Spotify: Costs $10.99/month—music only, no video perks.
3. Netflix: Starts at $15.49/month—great for shows, not YouTube content.
4. Apple Music: Also $10.99/month—solid tunes, no ad-free videos.
5. Free YouTube: Stick with ads if you don’t mind them.

I tried ad blockers, but YouTube’s crackdown made it a hassle. Premium’s smoother for me.

Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of YouTube Premium

If you are a YouTube Premium partner and are confused about how to get the most out of it, here are some important pointers to follow.

• Download Smart: Grab videos on Wi-Fi to save data.
• Explore Music: YouTube Music has hidden gems—dig in!
• Share the Love: Split the family plan to cut costs.
• Check Updates: Premium users get new stuff first—stay posted.

Once, I downloaded a whole playlist before a flight. Kept me entertained at 30,000 feet!

FAQs About YouTube Premium Costs

Got questions? I’ve got answers from my own journey:

Q. How much is YouTube Premium for students?

It’s $7.99 per month with student verification. Super budget-friendly!

Q. Does the family plan save money?

Yes! At $22.99 for five people, it’s way cheaper per person than individual plans.

Q. Can I get it cheaper in another country?

Maybe. Prices vary—like $1.54 in India. A VPN might help, but YouTube could block tricks.

Q. What’s the annual plan cost?

For individuals, it’s $139.99 per year—saving you nearly $28 versus monthly.

Q. Does it include YouTube TV?

No, that’s separate—$82.99/month for live TV. Premium has just videos and music.

Wrapping Up

So, how much is YouTube Premium? It’s $13.99 a month for most, with options like $22.99 for families or $7.99 for students. Worth it? Depends on you. If you’re glued to YouTube like me, it’s a no-brainer. If you barely watch, maybe not. Try the free month and see how it feels. I’d love to hear what you think—drop a comment with your take!