After using my Apple 4K TV for 6 months, I discovered a new favourite streaming app. Most apps, except the BBC, include ads unless paid for ad-free. We pay for ad-free versions because it’s convenient to watch without interruptions. But how would I handle the extra expense of subscribing to YouTube Premium? Six months into subscribing, here are my thoughts on why the trial that I intended to use for the free month hooked me into subscribing permanently.
I used to enjoy the free standard version of YouTube, but the increasing number of ads made it frustrating. Even short videos were littered with ads, and you had to endure them until they ended. Last November, I tried YouTube Premium for a month to go ad-free and watch a lot of content. I love YouTube for its amazing content, but the cost of going ad-free was off-putting. While other ad-free apps cost around £30/£40 per year, YouTube Premium costs £12.99/month or £19.99/month for the family plan. It’s a lot to pay each month, especially when considering the cost over a year. However, with Netflix’s recent price hikes in the UK, maybe YouTube Premium is not as bad after all. One warning: if you’re an Apple user, sign into a web browser and subscribe to YouTube Premium. Joining via the Apple Store will cost more because Google likely passes on Apple’s commission charges. It’s a shame that an annual option isn’t available, as it could reduce costs.
I initially used the free one-month trial last October/November to just catch up on content that I had missed. I expected convenience with the ability to watch ad-free, but I was surprised by the convenience of additional perks like YouTube Music Premium, games, and other features. Some games, like Parking Jam, load directly within the app. Premium subscribers also get first access to experimental features, enhanced bit rates, and more. Small enhancements can significantly improve the viewing experience. The Premium logo, often animated, adds a touch of exclusivity.
Initially, I thought the monthly £12.99 for YouTube Music Premium was too expensive, as I wasn’t that interested in all the additional benefits. As I am an Apple Music subscriber, but I’ve been surprised by “YouTube Music’s” quality. It offers special uploaded mixes that can only be found on YouTube and is also compatible via Apple CarPlay. While not perfect, it’s a good offering, and I’d consider switching to using the music app if it were compatible with Amazon Alexa (like Apple Music is). However, I have and will use the theirMusic videos on my TV which is a good bonus. My current membership is the individual plan and I will perhaps upgrade to a family membership in future, if we ever as a family started using “You Tube Premium Music” (Alexa Dot permitting). This could then offer savings by no longer using Apple Music.
Mobile-wise, I also use the iPhone app with additional useful features, especially the Picture in Picture function. It’s useful for following instructions while updating your iPhone while watching an IT-type video about iPhone features and settings. The Apple 4K TV app offers a different experience without games, but as a streaming app, it’s better on a big screen with excellent streaming quality.
Last year, I wrote a full review of YouTube Premium content (here) but I never expected it to become my favourite app. While you can watch the same content with or without ads, ad-free viewing allows you to watch more and discover more channels. This adds value to the app and its content. Downloading videos is also useful for long journeys on the train, as it allows you to watch locally stored videos without relying on live streaming.
I would actually quite happily watch more You Tube if I did not share the TV with my family and hence have to balance programming to meet everyones tastes. You can find content pretty much on any subject and while the content can vary in quality, a lot of content is now very good. Personally, I would even do away with Netflix as we only have that app as my wife likes some of their content. However, seeing as tastes do differ, I am happy now to continue subscribing to the “You Tube Premium” offering as so enjoyable.
What do you think of You Tube and do you use the free or paid premium version? Let me know your thoughts below.
