Upgrading to YouTube Premium unlocks a whole new world of content consumption, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to sign up and choose the right plan for your needs.
Getting Started with YouTube Premium
The easiest way to subscribe is directly through YouTube’s website or mobile app. Simply tap your profile picture, look for “Get YouTube Premium,” and you’ll see the current pricing options. As of 2025, an individual plan runs $13.99 monthly, while a family plan covering up to 5 family members costs $22.99.
Step-by-Step Payment Process
1. Sign in to your Google Account
2. Click “Try it Free” on the Premium offer
3. Select your preferred plan (Individual, Family, or Student)
4. Choose your payment method (credit card, debit card, or Google Play balance)
5. Confirm your billing information
6. Start enjoying ad-free videos!
Choosing the Right Plan
Let me share a quick tip from personal experience – if you’re living with family or roommates, the Family plan is incredibly cost-effective. For less than $5 per person monthly (when split among 5 people), everyone gets their own Premium experience.
Student Discount Option
Here’s something many people don’t know about – if you’re a student at an eligible college or university, you can get YouTube Premium for just $7.49 per month. You’ll need to verify your student status through SheerID, but the savings are worth the extra step.
Payment Methods Accepted
YouTube Premium accepts most major payment methods:
– Credit and debit cards
– PayPal
– Google Play balance
– Mobile carrier billing (select carriers)
– Gift cards
Managing Your Subscription
Once you’re subscribed, you can manage your plan through YouTube’s settings. I always recommend setting a calendar reminder for when your free trial ends (if you’re starting with one) so you can decide whether to continue with the paid service.
Remember, YouTube Premium includes YouTube Music Premium, so you might want to cancel any separate music streaming subscriptions to avoid paying twice for similar services. The download feature alone has saved me countless hours of buffering and data usage during my daily commute – it’s truly a game-changer for regular YouTube users.
