For free YouTube users like you and me, there is no denying that we keep getting bombarded with endless pop-ups from YouTube every now and then to subscribe to YouTube Premium for an “ad-free experience”. While it is an intriguing offer, one can’t help but think if paying for $13.99 (RM20.90 in Malaysia) is worth it if it’s just for removing ads when watching video content on the platform.
The plan comes in two tiers: individual and family. Each of these plans caters to certain needs, and chances are, you are less likely to subscribe to the former. There are other benefits to subscribing to YouTube Premium, and both plans share these benefits (with the exception of one being able to benefit all family members for a cheaper individual cost).
The question remains: are the features offered in YouTube Premium worth it? Or can you live without adding the additional subscription to your account?
Ad-Free Viewing
This is by far the biggest feature they offer on YouTube: ad-free viewing. If you subscribe to YouTube Premium, you get to watch videos without any interruptions from ads.
Unlike regular YouTube, where ads can appear before, during, or after videos, Premium subscribers enjoy a seamless viewing experience. This applies to all types of content, including music videos, vlogs, tutorials, and even live streams.
I was an avid YouTube Premium subscriber, too, when I was still a student. I no longer am, so I can’t benefit from the student discount I once had. No more waiting through unskippable ads—just instant access to the videos you love.
I would say that the ad removal feature is the best thing they can offer with the subscription, right before the YouTube Music Premium inclusion. That comes second.
YouTube Music Premium Included
A YouTube Premium subscription automatically includes YouTube Music Premium, a dedicated music streaming service (just like Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal—you name it). With this, users get ad-free music playback, background listening, and offline downloads—just like with regular YouTube videos.
One of the best features YouTube Music can offer is the MASSIVE song library. Far bigger than Spotify and Apple Music. It comes at a cost, though: the audio quality is not as good as the other two (especially if you’re used to listening lossless on Apple Music or Tidal).
Regardless, this alone makes YouTube Premium an appealing subscription to get. It’s basically a 2-in-1 bundle; you get to watch YouTube with no ads, and you get to listen to music with no ads as well.
Background Play & Offline Downloads
Now this—YouTube Premium offers background play, which lets you listen to videos even when you exit the app or lock your phone. It is why YouTube Music works perfectly with this subscription— it’s perfect for music, podcasts, or long-form content.
For offline downloads, subscribers can download videos for offline viewing (as obvious as it sounds), so if you’re travelling, commuting, taking flights, or visiting areas with poor Internet connectivity, this is particularly helpful.
The feature also introduces auto-download videos based on the content you watch regularly, so in case you’re somewhere with no connection and forgot to download any video to pass the time, YouTube has got you covered.
It’s a very specific need. Even though it is useful, I personally don’t rely on these features, at least not too often. Regardless, the background play and offline download features work on both mobile and tablet devices, so you’ll never miss your favourite content.
Exclusive Original Content
There’s YouTube Originals (apparently), which produces exclusive shows and movies just like Netflix Originals. The platform has scaled back some of its original programming, though. But, subscribers can still enjoy a selection of premium content featuring popular creators, celebrities, and unique storytelling not available to free users.
I guess, in some ways, you get access to the YouTube version of Netflix originals if you’re subscribed to YouTube Premium. I am personally not sure who watches YouTube Originals, but hey—it’s there if you want it.
Higher-Quality Streaming
This feature is rather recent. Premium subscribers can now stream videos in 1080p Premium (where available). Regular 1080p on YouTube is still a compressed 1080p video with a lower bitrate, so there are noticeable blurs.
A higher bitrate means enhanced video clarity compared to standard HD. While not quite 4K, this feature provides noticeably sharper visuals for a more immersive experience.
If you watch YouTube on a television often, this might be useful. But really, humans can adapt rather quickly, so it’s not exactly a groundbreaking feature.
Supports Creators
This is rather a controversial topic, considering, but YouTube Premium ensures that creators still get paid. A portion of the subscription fee is distributed to the channels you watch, meaning your favourite creators earn revenue just as they would from ad views—just without the ads interrupting your experience.
The only thing that’s questionable is YouTube putting ads regardless of whether the creators choose to monetise their content or not. This means ads on every video by the creators.
But we’re not here to talk about that. Subscribing to YouTube Premium means you at least support the creators you watch every day, so that’s that.
Verdict
It entirely depends on you. There’s very few videos that I watch now on YouTube, so I don’t really need it as much as I used to back in the day. If you watch YouTube often and are turned off by the constant ads, then feel free to subscribe to it.
You can always opt out of the subscription if one day you’re no longer needing the features it offers, so there’s no harm, really.
As always, I write more articles like this, which you can check out here. Thanks for reading!
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