YouTube has become a daily part of life for millions—whether for learning, entertainment, music, or productivity. With YouTube Premium priced at $13.99 per month in 2025, many users are confused about whether it’s truly worth paying for. This guide breaks down the key benefits, drawbacks, and overall value of YouTube Premium so you can decide easily.
No Ads & Uninterrupted Viewing
The biggest reason people upgrade to YouTube Premium is the ad-free experience. Over the years, ads have increased across every type of video—tutorials, music, and even short clips.
Why Ad-Free Viewing Matters
- Removes pre-roll, mid-roll, and post-roll ads
- Stops annoying pop-ups and banner ads
- Saves time and allows smooth, distraction-free learning
- Improves experience during long videos, music playlists, or study sessions
For regular viewers, removing ads alone feels like a major upgrade.
Background Play for Multitasking
On the free version, your video stops playing the moment you minimize YouTube or lock your screen. Background play changes everything.
Key Benefits of Background Play
- Listen to videos while using other apps
- Keep audio running even with the screen off
- Perfect for podcasts, music, commentary, and news updates
- Saves battery and improves multitasking
This feature makes YouTube function like Spotify or a podcast app.
Offline Downloads for Travel & Low Network Areas
YouTube Premium allows you to download videos and playlists to watch without internet. This is extremely useful for people with limited data or unstable networks.
Why Offline Access Is Valuable
- Watch videos during flights, trips, and commutes
- Save lectures, tutorials, and courses for offline learning
- Reduce mobile data usage
- Access content anytime, anywhere
Offline downloads are a big advantage for students, travelers, and remote workers.
Access to YouTube Music Premium
A YouTube Premium subscription also includes YouTube Music Premium at no extra cost.
What You Get
- Ad-free music streaming
- Unlimited song downloads
- Background play for music
- Personalized playlists and recommendations
Drawbacks of YouTube Premium
Although YouTube Premium offers several benefits, there are a few downsides to consider.
Main Cons
- Monthly Cost: At $13.99 per month, it becomes an additional bill
- Creator Promotions Remain: Sponsored segments inside videos cannot be removed
- Not Necessary for Casual Users: Occasional viewers may not feel the need for Premium
For people watching only a few videos a week, the free version may be enough.
Should You Subscribe to YouTube Premium?
YouTube Premium is worth it if you:
- Watch YouTube daily
- Hate ads and interruptions
- Listen to music or podcasts through YouTube
- Travel often or have poor network connectivity
- Multitask and want background play
However, if you use YouTube occasionally and don’t mind ads, sticking to the free version is perfectly fine.
Final Thoughts
YouTube Premium is a great choice for users who spend a lot of time on the platform and want an uninterrupted, ad-free, and more convenient viewing experience. However, for occasional viewers who don’t mind ads and use YouTube casually, the free version offers more than enough value.