Is Youtube Premium Actually Worth It Just To Get Rid Of Ads

For millions of users, YouTube is more than entertainment—it’s a daily habit. Whether you’re watching tutorials, catching up on news, or unwinding with music videos, one thing consistently interrupts the experience: ads. Skippable ads, unskippable 15-second clips, pre-roll interruptions—these can add up quickly. YouTube Premium promises an ad-free experience, among other perks. But if your only goal is to eliminate ads, is the subscription truly worth the price?

The answer isn’t straightforward. It depends on how you use YouTube, what alternatives exist, and whether the additional benefits justify the cost. Let’s examine the full picture.

Understanding YouTube Premium’s Core Features

YouTube Premium is a paid subscription service that removes all ads from YouTube videos across devices. But it offers more than just uninterrupted viewing:

• Ad-free playback: No pre-roll, mid-roll, or display ads on any video.
• Background play: Listen to videos while using other apps or with your screen off (on mobile).
• Downloads: Save videos for offline viewing without time limits.
• YouTube Music Premium included: Access to an ad-free music streaming service with background play and downloads.
• Family plans available: Up to six members can share one subscription.

If you're primarily interested in removing ads, these extra features might seem like bonuses—or unnecessary extras inflating the price. However, they can significantly enhance your overall digital media experience, especially if you frequently listen to music or watch videos on the go.

Tip: If you already use YouTube Music, skipping ads there alone may justify the cost of Premium.

How Much Time Do You Actually Spend Watching YouTube?

To determine if YouTube Premium is worth it, start by assessing your usage. The more time you spend on YouTube, the more ads you encounter—and the greater the benefit of removing them.

Consider this: the average YouTube viewer watches about 23 hours per month. If even 10% of that time is spent waiting through ads (roughly 14 minutes), that’s nearly 2.5 hours of ads per year. For heavy users—those watching 60+ minutes daily—that number climbs to over 10 hours annually.

But it’s not just about time saved. Interruptions disrupt focus, immersion, and enjoyment. A seamless experience can improve learning retention during educational videos, relaxation during music sessions, and engagement with long-form content.

“Removing friction from digital experiences increases user satisfaction and perceived value—even when the functional change seems small.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Behavioral UX Researcher

Cost Analysis: Is the Price Justified?

As of 2024, YouTube Premium costs $13.99/month in the U.S. for an individual plan. Family plans cost $22.99/month (up to six people), and student plans are $7.49/month. Let's break down the math:

Plan Type	Monthly Cost	Cost Per User (if shared)	Annual Total
Individual	$13.99	$13.99	$167.88
Family (6 users)	$22.99	$3.83	$275.88
Student	$7.49	$7.49	$89.88

At face value, $14 per month may seem steep for ad removal alone. But when split among family members, the individual cost drops dramatically—making it competitive with standalone music services like Spotify ($10.99/month) or Apple Music ($10.99/month).

If you're paying $13.99 just to skip ads, ask yourself: Could that money be better spent elsewhere? Or does the convenience outweigh the expense?

Alternatives to YouTube Premium

Before committing to a subscription, consider free or lower-cost alternatives that also reduce or eliminate ads.

Ad Blockers (Desktop Only)

Browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Brave support ad-blocking extensions such as uBlock Origin or AdBlock Plus. These tools effectively block YouTube ads—but only on desktop browsers. They do not work within the official YouTube app on mobile, where most users consume content.

Additionally, using ad blockers violates YouTube’s Terms of Service, though enforcement is rare for individual users. Still, creators lose revenue when ads are blocked, which affects the ecosystem that produces the content you enjoy.

Open-Source Clients

Applications like Invidious or NewPipe offer lightweight, ad-free interfaces for browsing YouTube. NewPipe, available on Android, allows background play and downloading without requiring a Premium subscription. These tools are legal and don’t rely on ad injection, but they come with trade-offs: limited updates, occasional instability, and no official support.

Public Library Streaming Services

Some libraries provide free access to ad-free music platforms like Freegal or Hoopla, which include music videos and audio streams similar to YouTube Music. While not a full replacement, they can reduce reliance on YouTube for audio content.

Tip: Try NewPipe or Invidious for a week before deciding on Premium—you might find they meet your needs at zero cost.

A Real-World Example: Maria’s Decision

Maria, a 28-year-old graphic designer, uses YouTube daily. She watches design tutorials in the morning, listens to lo-fi beats while working, and unwinds with vlogs at night. Her phone’s YouTube app constantly interrupts her workflow with ads—even on short 2-minute clips.

She considered YouTube Premium but hesitated at the $13.99 price. Then she calculated: she spends about 90 minutes on YouTube each day. With ads appearing every 3–4 minutes, she was losing roughly 12 minutes per day to interruptions. That’s two full days of ads per year.

More importantly, the lo-fi playlists she relied on wouldn’t play in the background unless she kept the app open—a battery drain. After trying NewPipe for a week, she found it unstable and lacking search functionality. Ultimately, she subscribed to the family plan with her sister and cousin. At less than $4 per month, the ad-free experience, background play, and ability to download videos made the switch worthwhile.

Maria’s case shows that value isn’t just about ads—it’s about integration into your lifestyle.

When YouTube Premium Makes Sense (And When It Doesn’t)

Not everyone will benefit equally from YouTube Premium. Here’s a checklist to help you decide:

✅ Do You Need YouTube Premium If…

• You watch YouTube for more than 30 minutes daily.
• You frequently listen to music or podcasts via YouTube.
• You want to download videos for travel or offline use.
• You use your phone while listening and need background playback.
• You’re part of a household that can share a family plan.

❌ Skip YouTube Premium If…

• You only watch YouTube occasionally (under 10 hours/month).
• You mainly use a desktop and can install an ad blocker.
• You already subscribe to another music service like Spotify.
• You’re sensitive to recurring subscription costs.
• You’re comfortable using third-party apps or workarounds.

Step-by-Step: How to Decide If It’s Worth It

Follow this five-step process to make an informed decision:

1. Track Your Usage: Use your phone’s Digital Wellbeing (Android) or Screen Time (iOS) feature to see how many minutes per day you spend in the YouTube app.
2. Calculate Ad Exposure: Estimate how often ads interrupt you. On average, expect 1–2 ads per 10-minute video.
3. Evaluate Alternatives: Test ad blockers on desktop or try NewPipe on Android for a week.
4. Assess Additional Needs: Do you want background play? Offline downloads? Access to YouTube Music?
5. Run the Cost-Benefit: Compare the monthly fee against your usage and alternative options. Consider sharing a family plan if others in your circle are interested.

This structured approach removes emotion from the decision and focuses on measurable value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get YouTube Premium just for one device?

No. YouTube Premium is tied to your Google account, not a device. Once subscribed, you get ad-free access across all devices where you’re logged in—mobile, tablet, desktop, smart TV, etc.

Does YouTube Premium stop all ads, including sponsored content?

It removes traditional video ads, banners, and promotional overlays. However, creators can still include verbal sponsorships or product placements within their videos. These are editorial choices and not affected by Premium.

Can I cancel YouTube Premium anytime?

Yes. You can cancel your subscription at any time through your Google Account settings. You’ll retain benefits until the end of your billing cycle, with no penalties.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It for Ads Alone?

If your sole objective is removing ads and you’re a light YouTube user—say, under 15 hours per month—then YouTube Premium is likely not worth it. The cost exceeds the inconvenience for most people in this category. Free tools like desktop ad blockers or open-source clients offer sufficient relief without financial commitment.

However, if you’re a regular or heavy user, especially on mobile, the value shifts. Background play, offline access, and integrated music streaming transform YouTube Premium from a single-feature upgrade into a comprehensive media enhancement. In those cases, yes—it’s worth it.

The key is alignment between your habits and the service’s strengths. For someone who relies on YouTube as both a learning tool and entertainment hub, eliminating friction through Premium can improve productivity, focus, and enjoyment. And when shared among family members, the per-person cost becomes negligible.

“We underestimate the cumulative impact of small interruptions. Removing just one daily annoyance can improve long-term digital well-being.” — James Lin, Tech Lifestyle Coach

Take Action Today

Don’t guess whether YouTube Premium is right for you—test it. Start with the free trial (usually one month) and use that period mindfully. Track how often you appreciate ad-free playback, use background mode, or download videos. At the end of the trial, ask: Did I notice a difference? Would I miss these features?

Your answer will tell you everything.

🚀 Ready to reclaim your attention? Evaluate your YouTube habits, try the trial, and decide based on real experience—not hype. Share your thoughts below—do ads really bother you, or have you found a better way?