Ever wonder if paying for YouTube Music Premium is really worth it just to skip ads? It’s a common question, especially with so many streaming options out there. This article will break down what youtube music premium offers, how it stacks up against the full YouTube Premium package, and help you figure out if either one makes sense for your listening and viewing habits. We’ll look at the costs, the perks, and ultimately, help you decide if an ad-free experience is worth the money.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube Music Premium gets you ad-free music, offline listening, and background play just for the music app.
- YouTube Premium includes all the benefits of YouTube Music Premium, plus ad-free viewing on regular YouTube videos.
- If you watch a lot of YouTube videos and listen to music, YouTube Premium is usually a better deal for just a little more money.
- You can try both YouTube Music Premium and YouTube Premium for free with a trial period.
- Remember to cancel your free trial before it ends, or you’ll get charged automatically for the full subscription.
Understanding YouTube Music Premium
What is YouTube Music Premium?
Okay, so what is YouTube Music Premium? Basically, it’s YouTube’s answer to Spotify and Apple Music. It’s a separate, paid subscription that gives you a better music listening experience on YouTube. The main draw is ad-free listening, but it also unlocks some other cool features. Think of it as YouTube, but just for music, and without all the annoying interruptions. It’s designed for people who use YouTube a lot for music and want a more streamlined experience.
Key Features of YouTube Music Premium
YouTube Music Premium comes with a few perks that make it worth considering, especially if you’re already on YouTube a lot for your music fix. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Ad-free listening: This is the big one. No more ads interrupting your favorite songs. Just pure, uninterrupted music. If you hate ads, this alone might be worth the price of admission. You can get ad-free music for $14 monthly.
- Background Playback: Keep the music going even when you switch to another app or lock your phone. Super handy for multitasking or when you’re on the go.
- Offline Downloads: Download your favorite songs and playlists to listen to when you don’t have an internet connection. Perfect for flights, road trips, or just saving on data.
YouTube Music Premium is great if you’re all about music and want a dedicated space for it within the YouTube ecosystem. It’s not just about getting rid of ads; it’s about creating a better, more convenient listening experience.
YouTube Music Premium vs. Other Streaming Services
So, how does YouTube Music Premium stack up against the competition like Spotify or Apple Music? Well, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, it has a massive library, thanks to YouTube’s vast collection of user-uploaded content, covers, and remixes. You’ll find stuff on YouTube Music that you simply won’t find anywhere else. On the other hand, some people find the interface a bit clunkier compared to Spotify’s slick design. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a music streaming service.
Here’s a quick comparison table:
| Feature | YouTube Music Premium | Spotify | Apple Music |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ad-Free Listening | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Offline Downloads | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Background Play | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Unique Content | High | Medium | Medium |
YouTube Premium: The Comprehensive Package
What is YouTube Premium?
YouTube Premium is more than just music; it’s an upgraded YouTube experience. It removes ads from all YouTube videos, not just music content. Think of it as a way to enjoy all your favorite creators without interruptions. It’s a subscription service that enhances your overall viewing on the platform.
Benefits of YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium comes with a bunch of perks that make it pretty appealing:
- Ad-free viewing: Watch any video without those pesky ads.
- Background play: Keep videos playing even when you switch to other apps or turn off your screen.
- Offline downloads: Download videos to watch later, even without internet.
- Access to YouTube Music Premium: Get all the benefits of YouTube Music Premium included.
- YouTube Kids: Ad-free and background play also extend to the YouTube Kids app.
YouTube Premium is a good option if you watch a lot of regular YouTube content in addition to listening to music. It covers all your bases, ensuring an ad-free experience across the entire platform.
YouTube Premium and YouTube Music Premium Integration
With YouTube Premium, you automatically get YouTube Music Premium access. This means you can enjoy ad-free listening, background play, and offline downloads within the YouTube Music app, all included in your YouTube Premium subscription. It’s a convenient way to get the best of both worlds – ad-free videos and music – with a single subscription. If you are looking to watch videos on YouTube without ads, this is the way to go.
Cost-Effectiveness: YouTube Music Premium vs. YouTube Premium
Pricing Comparison of YouTube Music Premium and YouTube Premium
Okay, let’s break down the costs. YouTube Music Premium will set you back $10.99 a month for an individual plan. You get ad-free listening, background play, and offline downloads. YouTube Premium, on the other hand, is $13.99 a month. For that extra $3, you get all the benefits of Music Premium plus ad-free viewing across all YouTube videos. There are also family plans for both, with YouTube Premium costing slightly more. Here’s a quick look:
| Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| YouTube Music Premium | $10.99 |
| YouTube Premium | $13.99 |
Is YouTube Premium a Better Value?
Honestly, for most people, YouTube Premium is the better deal. Think about it: you’re probably watching regular YouTube videos and listening to music. Paying a little extra to get rid of ads on everything is a pretty good deal. It’s like getting two subscriptions for the price of (almost) one. Plus, you get access to YouTube Kids, which is a nice bonus if you have children.
It really comes down to how much you use YouTube outside of music. If you’re constantly watching videos, the ad-free experience is a game-changer. If you only listen to music, then Music Premium might be enough.
When to Choose YouTube Music Premium Alone
There are a few scenarios where sticking with just YouTube Music Premium makes sense.
- You only listen to music on YouTube and never watch regular videos.
- You’re on a super tight budget and every dollar counts.
- You already have another way to block ads on YouTube videos (though this might violate YouTube’s terms of service).
If none of those apply, seriously consider YouTube Premium. The extra features are worth the small price increase. It’s a more comprehensive package, especially if you’re already invested in the YouTube ecosystem. You can even compare it to Apple Music or other streaming services to see which fits your needs best.
Ad-Free Experience Across Platforms
Eliminating Ads on YouTube Videos
Okay, let’s be real, ads are the worst. You’re finally getting into a video, and BAM, two ads back-to-back. It’s infuriating. That’s where YouTube Premium (and by extension, YouTube Music Premium) comes in. The biggest perk is definitely getting rid of those pesky ads on all YouTube videos. Whether it’s a cat video, a cooking tutorial, or a full-length movie, you can watch without interruption. It’s a game-changer, especially if you’re a frequent YouTube user. Even YouTube Premium Lite offers ad-free viewing.
Ad-Free Listening on YouTube Music
YouTube Music Premium takes the ad-free experience and applies it specifically to music. No more listening to the same ad for a mobile game every other song. You get uninterrupted music streaming, which is how it should be. It makes a huge difference when you’re trying to focus, work out, or just chill. Plus, it’s not just about removing ads before songs; it also eliminates those annoying banner ads that sometimes pop up within the app itself. It’s a cleaner, more enjoyable listening experience overall.
Impact of Ad-Free Viewing on User Experience
Ad-free viewing isn’t just a convenience; it seriously improves the whole user experience. Think about it: no more waiting for the "Skip Ad" button, no more getting pulled out of the zone by loud, irrelevant commercials. It makes watching videos and listening to music way more immersive and enjoyable. It also saves you time in the long run. All those seconds spent watching ads add up, and with Premium, you get that time back. Plus, let’s not forget the support you’re giving to creators. A portion of your subscription fee goes to the channels you watch, which is a nice bonus.
I’ve had YouTube Premium for a while now, and honestly, I can’t go back. The ad-free experience is just too good. It’s worth the cost for me, simply because it makes using YouTube so much less frustrating. It’s one of those things you don’t realize how much you appreciate until you have it.
Enhanced Features and User Experience
Background Play and Offline Downloads
Okay, so here’s the deal. One of the biggest perks of YouTube Music Premium (or YouTube Premium, since it includes Music Premium) is background play. What does that mean? It means you can minimize the app, lock your phone, or even switch to another app, and your music keeps playing. No more having to keep the YouTube Music app open all the time! It’s a game-changer, especially if you’re used to free YouTube Music cutting off the second you leave the app. Offline downloads are also super useful.
Plus, you can download songs and playlists for offline listening. This is perfect for commutes, travel, or just when you want to save on data. You can select the download quality too, which is nice for managing storage space.
Access to New Features with YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium subscribers often get early access to experimental features. It’s like being a beta tester, but with the added bonus of ad-free viewing and background play. These features can range from interface tweaks to entirely new ways of interacting with the platform. It’s not always a guarantee that you’ll get something amazing, but it’s a nice perk to have. You might get to try out a new way to queue songs or a different way to discover new music before everyone else. It keeps things interesting, that’s for sure. For example, enhanced audio quality is now available for music.
Seamless Integration for Music and Video
One of the coolest things about YouTube Premium is how well it integrates both music and video content. It’s not just about ad-free music; it’s about a unified experience across the entire YouTube platform. You can easily switch between watching a music video and listening to the audio version without any interruptions.
It’s all connected. Your watch history, your recommendations, and your playlists all work together, whether you’re watching a vlog, a documentary, or jamming out to your favorite tunes. It makes the whole experience feel much more cohesive and less fragmented.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Unified Account: One subscription covers both YouTube and YouTube Music.
- Shared History: Your viewing and listening history influences recommendations across both platforms.
- Easy Switching: Seamlessly transition between music and video content.
Trial Periods and Subscription Management
Trying YouTube Premium for Free
So, you’re thinking about trying YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium? Good news! Both services usually offer a free trial, typically for a month. This is a great way to test out all the features like ad-free listening, background play, and offline downloads without spending any money. It’s like test-driving a car before you buy it. Just make sure you know when the trial ends so you don’t get charged if you decide it’s not for you.
Managing Your Free Trial
Okay, you’ve signed up for the free trial. Now what? It’s pretty simple to manage. You can check the status of your trial, see when it ends, and cancel it anytime through your YouTube account settings. Setting a reminder a few days before the trial ends is a smart move to avoid unwanted charges.
Here’s a quick rundown of how to manage it:
- Go to your YouTube account settings.
- Look for the "Purchases and memberships" section.
- Find your YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium trial.
- You’ll see options to cancel or view the end date.
It’s worth noting that sometimes, depending on promotions or partnerships, you might find extended trial periods. Keep an eye out for those deals!
Understanding Subscription Charges After Trial
Alright, let’s talk money. If you don’t cancel your trial, you’ll automatically be charged the regular subscription fee. The exact amount depends on whether you’re on an individual, family, or student plan. Make sure you understand the pricing structure before the trial ends. If you forget to cancel, you’ll be charged the regular individual rate. You can always cancel after being charged, but you’ll still have access to the premium features until the end of that billing cycle. So, keep an eye on that calendar!
So, Is YouTube Music Premium Worth It?
Alright, so after looking at all this, it really comes down to what you use YouTube for. If you’re just into music and don’t really watch videos, then YouTube Music Premium might be okay for you. But honestly, for just a couple more bucks a month, YouTube Premium gives you way more. You get rid of ads on all of YouTube, not just music, plus you can play stuff in the background and download videos. It’s a pretty sweet deal if you spend a lot of time on YouTube, watching videos and listening to tunes. Most people will probably find YouTube Premium is the smarter choice, since it covers everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you try YouTube Premium for free?
Yes, you can try YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium for free before you decide to pay. Both services let you use them for one month without charge. If you try YouTube Premium for free, you get to experience ad-free videos, background play, and downloading for both YouTube and YouTube Music. This way, you can see which one you like best.
What happens if I forget to cancel my YouTube Premium free trial?
If you forget to cancel your YouTube Premium free trial before it ends, you will be charged the regular price of $13.99 each month. To avoid this, it’s a good idea to set a reminder on your phone or calendar.
How has the price of YouTube Premium changed recently?
The price of YouTube Premium has gone up recently because almost all streaming services have raised their prices.
Which is better: YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium?
YouTube Music Premium gives you ad-free music, offline downloads, and background play, but only within the YouTube Music app. This means you can listen to your favorite songs without ads, even with your phone screen off, but these benefits don’t apply to regular YouTube videos. YouTube Premium, however, gives you the full YouTube experience without ads. You can watch videos on the main YouTube site and app without interruptions, and it also includes all the benefits of YouTube Music Premium. So, if you only care about music, YouTube Music Premium is fine. But if you want an ad-free experience across all of YouTube’s content, YouTube Premium is the better choice.
Does YouTube Music Premium come with YouTube Premium?
YouTube Music Premium only gives you special features for YouTube Music, like listening without ads and downloading songs. YouTube Premium subscriptions also include all the benefits of YouTube Music Premium. This means if you pay for YouTube Premium, you get ad-free access to the YouTube Music app, offline listening, background play, and an audio-only mode, all at no extra cost. You just need to sign into YouTube Music with the same Google account you use for YouTube Premium.
Can I experience new features before free users with YouTube Premium?
As a YouTube Premium user, you get to try out new features before people who use YouTube for free. You can find these new features easily on the YouTube website and in the Android and iOS apps.
About the Author
