When it comes to video streaming platforms, sure, there is no competition to YouTube because no other platform comes anywhere near the popularity that YouTube has. And yes, YouTube has taken things up a notch with something called YouTube Premium. Originally starting off as YouTube Red, this subscription service is like the VIP experience compared to the regular version we all know. If you have been using YouTube for quite a while, then you may know that this premium service of theirs was launched way back on November 14, 2014. And ever since, it has been a hit, especially if you just want to turn off those super annoying ads on YouTube, well, YouTube Premium is the way to go then. That’s not it though, there are other benefits of this premium subscription from YouTube, and if you want to know more, let’s get down to the positives and negatives of this service. Here we go.
Advantages of YouTube Premium
1. No More Ads
The first and biggest plus point of YouTube Premium is the most obvious one, and you know precisely what we are talking about, right? Imagine for a second a world where you could see all of your YouTube videos ad-free. How cool would that be? Yes, that is precisely what YouTube Premium provides. There will be no breaks or interruptions, the content will continue forever. An ad-free experience is key, whether you’re diving into educational content, enjoying music videos, or viewing the newest series in a binge. All the way from smartphones to tablets to smart TVs, you may enjoy this uninterrupted pleasant viewing experience on any device.
2. Videos on the Go
Going somewhere with a very unstable internet? Rest assured. If you subscribe to YouTube Premium, you’ll have the ability to download videos to view whenever you choose. You can bookmark videos, playlists, or even entire channels to watch later while you’re not nearby. And yes, even better news for parents: YouTube Kids has a ton of kid-friendly videos that you can download to watch offline with your kids.
3. Keep Listening
See, with basic YouTube, there is an issue, like when playing some video on your smartphone or tablet, when you minimize the app or lock your device, the video suddenly stops. Looking at that, have you ever wished that YouTube would automatically continue playing even after you closed the playing app or turned off your screen? Well, with YouTube Premium, you may enjoy background playback without any interference. Enjoy lengthy interviews, podcasts, or music videos without having to worry about interrupting the stream with messaging, web browsing, or even locking your phone thanks to this magical feature.
4. Music and More
It gets better: YouTube Music is a part of YouTube Premium. So, FREE premium music that is. Enjoy music without advertisements, listen offline with downloads, and listen in the background without interruption. Simply put, people who love music will definitely adore it.
5. Exclusive Shows
Looking for a change of pace? Streaming YouTube Originals, a library of original programs, movies, and more, is available to all YouTube Premium subscribers. Look, it doesn’t have the extensive library of Netflix or Hulu, but with shows like “Cobra Kai” and “Mind Field,” you’ve got some good viewing material.
6. Kid-Friendly Viewing
And yes, you can keep it kid-friendly! YouTube Premium’s YouTube Kids app does a fantastic job doing this. No commercials mean no surprises, just a safe area with kid-friendly videos, isn’t that what you want? As a parent, you can rest easy knowing that your children will be able to play and study independently.
7. Support the Stars
See, when you use ad blockers to block the ads on your YouTube videos, you are actually not only damaging the revenue of the platform but also impacting the earnings of your favorite YouTubers. With this premium subscription, creators continue to receive a portion of subscription fees, even after the material is demonetized. In our opinion, it’s a great way to support the YouTube ecosystem and inspire creators to keep making amazing content.
Disadvantages of YouTube Premium
1. A Bit Pricey
Let’s talk numbers for a sec, you see, YouTube Premium digs deep into your wallet at $13.99 a month for just you alone. Seems a bit steep, right? Especially if you’re not squeezing every benefit out of it. For the family setup? Well, you’re looking at $22.99 every month, and even the student deal stands at $7.99. If you’re cool with the standard YouTube and its ads, shelling out for Premium might feel like overkill.
2. All-In-One Bundle… Whether You Like It or Not
YouTube Premium insists on bundling video and music services together. Handy for some, but a total drag if you’re already jamming to tunes on Spotify or Apple Music. Stuck with YouTube Music Premium even if you don’t want it? Yes, that’s the deal, no picking and choosing here, which might rub you the wrong way if you’re just after their ad-free videos.
3. Originals? Not Quite Blockbusters
Sure, YouTube Premium gives you the keys to their Originals, but don’t expect a blockbuster lineup like Netflix or Hulu has, you know? The shine has kinda worn off, with many originals now free for all, just with ads. So much for exclusive content, right?
4. Movies on YouTube? Open Your Wallet
Looking to catch a flick on YouTube Premium? Keep looking. Movies aren’t part of the deal and still cost extra, which can be a bummer if you were hoping for an all-in-one streaming paradise like Amazon Prime or Netflix.
5. Family Ties a Bit Too Tight
Got a family scattered around? The YouTube Premium family plan might not be your best bet since it demands everyone be under the same roof. Not so great for those with kids in college or relatives who travel a lot.
Quick Advantages and Disadvantages of YouTube Premium
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Ad-free viewing experience | High subscription cost |
| Offline video downloads | Mandatory bundled services |
| Background playback | Limited exclusive content |
| Access to YouTube Music | Extra cost for movies |
| Exclusive original shows | Restrictive family plan |
| Kid-friendly content | |
| Supports content creators |
