YouTube Premium costs $13.99 per month for a single account
YouTube Premium is the paid subscription that removes ads from videos, lets you read content to watch offline, and plays videos in the background while you use other apps. The standard monthly price is $13.99 in the United States, though the price varies by country. You can cancel anytime — there is no contract or commitment.
YouTube also offers YouTube Music Premium as a separate $11.99 monthly subscription, which gives you ad-free music streaming and offline downloads across YouTube Music. Some people buy both subscriptions separately, but YouTube offers a bundle called YouTube Premium + Music for $22.99 per month, which saves you about $2.99 compared to paying for each one alone.
If you are under 18, YouTube Premium costs $6.99 per month. Students with a valid .edu email address can get YouTube Premium for $6.99 per month as well through the Student plan.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube Premium removes ads, allows offline downloads, and enables background play for $13.99 per month.
- YouTube Music Premium costs $11.99 per month separately, or $22.99 per month bundled with YouTube Premium.
- Student and under-18 accounts pay $6.99 per month for YouTube Premium if they meet the age or school requirements.
- YouTube Premium includes access to YouTube Originals, which are exclusive shows and movies available only to paid subscribers.
- You can pause your subscription for up to three months without losing your account or payment method.
What YouTube Premium includes
The main benefit of YouTube Premium is ad-free viewing. When you watch videos, you will not see ads before, during, or after the content. This applies to all videos on YouTube, including music videos, tutorials, and longer-form content.
Offline downloads let you save videos to your phone or tablet and watch them without an internet connection. You can read videos through the YouTube app on iOS or Android. Downloaded videos expire after 30 days, so you cannot keep them permanently, but you can re-read them anytime.
Background play means videos keep playing even when you close the YouTube app or lock your phone. This is especially useful for music videos, podcasts, and audio content. Without Premium, the video stops as soon as you leave the app.
YouTube Premium subscribers also get access to YouTube Originals, which are exclusive shows, movies, and documentaries made by YouTube. These titles are not available on the free version of YouTube.
YouTube Music Premium and the bundle option
YouTube Music Premium is a separate music streaming service that works like Spotify or Apple Music. It includes ad-free listening, offline downloads, and background play for music. The $11.99 monthly cost applies only to music — it does not include YouTube video Premium features.
If you want both YouTube Premium (for videos) and YouTube Music Premium (for music), you have two options. You can pay $13.99 + $11.99 = $25.98 per month for both subscriptions separately, or you can pay $22.99 per month for the bundle and save $2.99. The bundle gives you everything both subscriptions offer in a single monthly charge.
YouTube also offers a Family Plan for $22.99 per month that covers up to six family members. Each person gets their own account with ad-free YouTube, offline downloads, background play, and YouTube Music Premium. Family members must live in the same household, and you manage the plan through Google Family Link.
Student and youth pricing
If you are a full-time student with a valid .edu email address, you can get YouTube Premium for $6.99 per month through the Student plan. You will need to verify your student status through SheerID, a third-party verification service. The discount applies for up to four years.
YouTube Premium for users under 18 also costs $6.99 per month. YouTube verifies your age through your Google account. If you turn 18, your subscription automatically switches to the standard $13.99 monthly rate.
Students can also get YouTube Music Premium for $5.99 per month, or both YouTube Premium and YouTube Music Premium for $12.99 per month as a student bundle.
How to start and manage your subscription
To start a YouTube Premium subscription, open the YouTube app or go to youtube.com on your browser. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner and select "Get YouTube Premium." Choose your plan (standard, student, or family), and enter your payment method. YouTube will charge your card on the same date each month.
You can manage your subscription through your Google Account settings. Go to myaccount.google.com, select "Payments & subscriptions," then "Manage subscriptions." From there you can pause your subscription, change your payment method, or cancel anytime. If you pause, your subscription will resume after up to three months.
YouTube does not charge you a cancellation fee. When you cancel, your Premium benefits end when ready, and your account reverts to the free version with ads.
Price differences by country and currency
YouTube Premium costs different amounts in different countries. In Canada, the price is CAD $14.99 per month. In the United Kingdom, it is £12.99 per month. In Australia, it is AUD $14.99 per month. YouTube sets prices based on local currency and regional economics, so prices vary widely.
If you travel or move to a different country, your subscription price may change to match that region. YouTube will notify you before any price change takes effect. The price you pay depends on the country associated with your Google Account and payment method, not where you are physically located.
Free trial and promotional offers
YouTube occasionally offers free trial periods for YouTube Premium, usually one month free for new subscribers. These offers change over time and may not always be available. You can check whether a free trial is currently offered by visiting the YouTube Premium sign-up page.
Some promotions are tied to other services. For example, if you have a YouTube TV subscription, you may receive YouTube Premium at no additional cost. If you have a Google Play Pass subscription, you may also get YouTube Premium included. Check your existing Google subscriptions to see if Premium is already part of your plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my YouTube Premium account with family members?
The Family Plan is designed for sharing — it covers up to six people in the same household for $22.99 per month. If you want to share a single Premium account across multiple devices without the Family Plan, YouTube's terms of service allow it only for people in your household. Sharing your login with people outside your home violates YouTube's terms.
What happens to my downloads if I cancel YouTube Premium?
Downloaded videos become unavailable when ready after you cancel. You cannot watch them offline anymore. If you resubscribe later, you can read them again, but you will need to re-read each video.
Does YouTube Premium work on all devices?
YouTube Premium works on phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs through the YouTube app or website. Some features like offline downloads are only available on the YouTube mobile app for iOS and Android, not on web browsers or smart TVs.
Can I get YouTube Premium for free?
YouTube occasionally offers one-month free trials to new subscribers, but there is no permanent free version of YouTube Premium. The free version of YouTube includes ads. Some bundled services like YouTube TV or Google Play Pass may include Premium at no extra cost.
Will my YouTube Premium price increase?
YouTube has raised prices in the past and may do so again. When a price increase happens, YouTube notifies subscribers at least one month in advance. You can cancel before the new price takes effect if you choose not to pay the higher amount.