YouTube Premium costs $13.99 per month and removes ads from videos, lets you read content to watch offline, and plays videos in the background while you use other apps
You sign up through the YouTube app or website by tapping your profile picture, selecting "Get YouTube Premium," and choosing your payment method. The process takes about two minutes. You can cancel anytime, and your access continues until the end of your billing cycle.
YouTube also offers a three-month free trial if you have never had Premium before. The trial period varies — sometimes it is one month, sometimes three — depending on current promotions. You will need a valid payment method on file to start the trial, even though you will not be charged during those free months.
Key Takeaways
- Sign up by opening YouTube, tapping your profile picture, and selecting "Get YouTube Premium" from the menu.
- You need a valid credit card, debit card, or Google Play balance to complete the signup.
- A free trial period (usually one to three months) is available if you have never subscribed before.
- Cancellation takes one click and stops charges at the end of your current billing month, not when ready.
- YouTube Premium removes ads, enables offline downloads, and allows background playback on mobile devices.
How to sign up on your phone or tablet
Open the YouTube app and tap your profile picture in the top right corner. Select "Get YouTube Premium" from the dropdown menu. You will see the current price and the length of any free trial you may have access to for. Tap "Start your free trial" or "Subscribe now" depending on what appears.
YouTube will ask you to confirm your payment method. If you have a Google account with a saved card or payment method, it will show that option first. You can also add a new card, use a debit card, or pay through Google Play balance if you have one. Tap the payment method you want to use, then confirm the purchase. Your subscription starts when ready, and ads disappear from videos right away.
How to sign up on a computer
Go to youtube.com and click your profile picture in the top right corner. Select "Get YouTube Premium" from the menu. The page will show your subscription options and any current trial offer. Click "Start free trial" or "Subscribe" depending on what is available.
You will be taken to a checkout page where you can review the price and confirm your payment method. If you are logged into your Google account, your saved payment information may appear automatically. You can edit it or add a new payment method. Click "Subscribe" to complete the purchase. Your Premium membership activates within seconds.
What payment methods YouTube accepts
YouTube accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit and debit cards. You can also pay through Google Play balance if you have added money to your Google Play account through a gift card or previous purchase. Some countries support additional payment methods like local bank transfers or mobile payment systems, but these vary by location.
Your payment method must be current and valid. If your card expires or is declined, YouTube will send you a notification and give you time to update it before your subscription pauses. You can change your payment method anytime by going to your Google Account settings, selecting "Payments & subscriptions," and choosing YouTube Premium.
Understanding the free trial and when it ends
If you are a new YouTube Premium user, you may see a free trial offer when you sign up. The length varies — it could be one month, two months, or three months depending on current promotions. During the trial, you get full Premium features with no charge. YouTube will not bill you until the trial period ends.
YouTube sends you an email reminder a few days before your trial ends, telling you when your first charge will occur. If you cancel before that date, you will not be charged at all. If you do nothing, your subscription converts to a paid monthly plan on the first day after your trial ends. You can cancel anytime after that without penalty.
How to manage your subscription after signup
Once you are subscribed, you can view your billing details and manage your membership through your Google Account. On a phone or tablet, open the YouTube app, tap your profile picture, select "Paid memberships," and then tap "Manage." On a computer, go to youtube.com, click your profile picture, select "Paid memberships," and click "Manage."
From this screen you can see your next billing date, your current payment method, and your subscription status. You can update your payment information, change your billing address, or cancel your subscription. If you cancel, your Premium access continues until the end of your current billing cycle, then stops. You will not receive a refund for the current month.
What happens if your payment fails
If your payment method is declined, YouTube will attempt to charge it again a few days later. If it fails a second time, YouTube sends you an email asking you to update your payment information. You have a grace period — usually about two weeks — to fix the problem before your subscription pauses.
While your subscription is paused, you lose access to Premium features like ad-free viewing and offline downloads. Your watch history and playlists remain saved. Once you update your payment method, your subscription reactivates when ready and you are charged for the current month. If you do not update it within the grace period, your subscription cancels automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get YouTube Premium for free?
New users may receive a free trial lasting one to three months depending on current promotions. After the trial ends, the subscription costs $13.99 per month. Some bundled services like YouTube TV or Google One include YouTube Premium at no extra cost if you subscribe to those services.
What is the difference between YouTube Premium and YouTube TV?
YouTube Premium removes ads from regular YouTube videos, enables offline downloads, and allows background playback. YouTube TV is a separate live television service that includes channels like ESPN, CNN, and local networks. They are different products with different prices, though YouTube TV subscribers also get YouTube Premium included.
Can I share my YouTube Premium subscription with family members?
YouTube Premium is tied to your individual Google account and cannot be shared directly. However, if you have a Google Family group, you can set up a family plan through Google One, which includes YouTube Premium for up to six family members. This costs more than a single Premium subscription but covers multiple people.
What happens to my videos and playlists if I cancel?
Your watch history, playlists, and uploaded videos remain on your account after you cancel. You will straightforward lose Premium features like ad-free viewing and offline downloads. Your content is not deleted, and you can resubscribe anytime to regain those features.
Can I pause my subscription instead of canceling?
YouTube does not offer a pause feature. You can only cancel your subscription, which stops charges at the end of your current billing cycle. If you want to rejoin later, you can resubscribe anytime. If you are a new user, you may be offered another free trial when you resubscribe.