Key Takeaways
- I’m used to online ads, so paying for ad-free content doesn’t make a big difference.
- I’m not interested in YouTube Originals and prefer content from independent creators.
- My region grants some video downloads, and I already have a preferred premium music service.
Watching YouTube is part of my daily routine, from catching up on video game reviews to learning about science. But even though I spend hours on the platform every week, I’ve never felt the need to upgrade to YouTube Premium. Here’s why…
1 I’m Already Bombarded With Ads Daily, What’s a Few More?
Let’s face it, ads are everywhere. You can’t scroll through any social media app or website without coming across an ad within the first ten seconds. Sure, YouTube throws a few more at me than I’d like, but I’m so used to ads being part of the online experience that paying for an ad-free subscription on just one platform doesn’t make a difference.
This is not to say I enjoy ads—I don’t appreciate being bombarded with products and services that are likely unnecessary. So I just skip them, and tuning out unskippable ads has become second nature.
It’s estimated that the average person comes across thousands of ads per day. If I watch three 20-minute YouTube videos a day, with, say, three ads each, plus the embedded ads on the homepage, plus one or two sponsorships from the creators (yes, I’m counting those), that’s about 20 ads. This is a drop in the bucket of thousands of ads.
2 I’m Not Losing Sleep Over YouTube Originals That I Don’t Know Exist
To be honest, I couldn’t name a single YouTube Original movie or series if you asked me. While all users can access YouTube Originals, a premium subscription gets you access to bonus scenes—which has absolutely no appeal to me.
Most of the content I watch is user-generated. The creativity of independent creators, not studio-produced shows, is YouTube’s core appeal to me. There are plenty of ad-free streaming services with big-budget movies and series at my disposal if I’m in the mood to watch a studio production.
3 My Region Allows Me to Download Some Videos for Offline Viewing on the App
One of the biggest perks of YouTube Premium is being able to download videos for offline viewing on your mobile device or computer. But here’s the thing: my region (South Africa) already allows me to download certain videos without needing a premium subscription.
It’s limited, sure—I can’t download any music videos and can’t download anything on my computer. But most of the channels I’m subscribed to allow me to download their videos for offline viewing on the mobile app. This is more than enough; I don’t need access to every video in the world when disconnected from Wi-Fi.
4 No Need for YouTube Music Premium, I Prefer Apple Music
Another major selling point for YouTube Premium is the inclusion of YouTube Music Premium. Everyone can access YouTube Music, but YouTube Premium removes the ads, lets you listen to music in the background, and download the music to listen to offline.
For me, this is a non-starter. I’m firmly in the Apple Music camp and have been for years—since it was still called iTunes! I like the music selection and the minimalist user interface.
YouTube Music Premium feels like an extra feature that’s tacked on to sweeten the deal. I don’t see myself doling out cash just to have ad-free music when I already have a favorite, dedicated music streaming service.
YouTube Premium might be a good deal for some, but for me, the benefits don’t justify the cost—even if it’s relatively low. I’m used to ads, it doesn’t feel like I’m missing out on YouTube Originals, and the limited downloads I already have access to are enough. Plus, I’m loyal to Apple Music for my tunes. YouTube’s free version offers everything I need to stay entertained and informed.
