YouTube Premium is likely on your mind if you\’re sick of the site constantly bombarding you with ads, want to lock your screen and listen to music, or just desire the perfect playback experience for your videos.
As of May 2025, YouTube Premium in the UK costs £12.99 per month for individuals, £7.99 for students, and £19.99 for a family plan. The service commences at £12.99 monthly within the UK and holds various flavors, including YouTube Music Premium, background play, and uninterrupted video streaming. But is it worth paying for in 2025? There will be a cost analysis, features, and possibly other alternatives for you to consider.
What Is YouTube Premium?
YouTube Premium is Google’s paid subscription service that enhances your regular YouTube experience. YouTube Premium is a paid subscription that offers ad-free videos, offline downloads, background play, and access to YouTube Music and exclusive content. Originally launched as “YouTube Red,” it has evolved into a more comprehensive package offering:
- Ad-free videos across YouTube
- Background play, so you can continue listening while using other apps
- Offline downloads for videos and playlists
- Access to YouTube Music Premium
The idea is to give users a seamless, uninterrupted experience—perfect for those who use YouTube frequently.
Current Pricing in the UK (2025)
Here’s what you’ll pay for YouTube Premium in the UK:
- Individual Plan: £12.99/month
- Family Plan: £19.99/month (up to 6 members in the same household)
- Student Plan: £6.99/month (requires verification through SheerID)
All plans come with a 1-month free trial (if you haven’t used one before), and you can cancel at any time.
What You Get for Your Money
Let’s dig into what each of these features really means in daily use.
1. Ad-Free Viewing
YouTube ads have gotten longer and more frequent, with some videos stacking up two unskippable ads before the actual content begins. With Premium, all that disappears. You get a clean, uninterrupted experience—whether you\’re watching a 5-minute tutorial or a 2-hour documentary.
2. YouTube Music Premium
This is Google’s answer to Spotify and Apple Music. You get ad-free music streaming, background listening, and offline playback. The UI is sleek, and it integrates well with YouTube—so if you’ve got niche tastes (like video game soundtracks or obscure remixes), this might actually suit you better than other platforms.
3. Background Play
This feature is a game-changer. Want to listen to a podcast or a mix while scrolling Instagram or replying to texts? You can, without the video stopping. This alone can justify the price for many users.
4. Offline Downloads
Great for commuters or anyone with patchy internet. You can download videos to watch later—perfect for long trips, train rides, or saving on data.
Who Should Consider the Family or Student Plan?
If you live with others who also use YouTube a lot, the Family Plan is by far the best deal. At £19.99, if you split it among 6 people, that’s about £3.33 per person per month. Way cheaper than the individual plan.
The Student Plan is a steal at £6.99/month. The only catch is you need to verify your student status annually, which can be done through SheerID.
What About Free Alternatives?
Some people try to recreate the Premium experience using ad blockers, YouTube Vanced (which is no longer officially supported), or VPNs to subscribe from cheaper countries.
⚠️ Important Note: YouTube has recently cracked down on VPN loopholes. If your billing info and IP address don’t match, your subscription may get cancelled.
As for ad blockers, Google is now actively blocking access to videos if it detects them. So while free workarounds exist, they’re becoming less and less reliable.
Is It Worth It in 2025?
It depends on how much you use YouTube.
- Daily user? You’ll love the Premium experience. No ads, better music streaming, and more flexibility while multitasking.
- Occasional viewer? You might not need it unless you really hate ads.
- Music-focused? If you’re looking for a streaming service, YouTube Music Premium is solid, especially for niche genres or live versions.
Considering the rise in digital subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, etc.), the £12.99 might seem steep, but the value is real if YouTube is a major part of your daily media diet.
FAQs
Can I try YouTube Premium before paying?
Yes, YouTube offers a 1-month free trial for new users. Occasionally, they run 3-month promotions too—keep an eye out.
Does the Family Plan require everyone to live at the same address?
Yes. All members must live in the same household. YouTube may ask for verification via location services.
Is YouTube Premium available annually?
Not in the UK. As of now, only monthly billing is offered. However, Google may change this in the future.
Can I cancel anytime?
Absolutely. You can cancel through your Google Account settings, and you won’t be charged from the next billing cycle.
Is there a cheaper way to get Premium?
Some users have tried subscribing via VPNs from countries with lower prices, but this is now risky. YouTube is actively canceling such accounts.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, YouTube Premium in the UK isn’t just a luxury—it’s a real upgrade for regular users. Whether you’re watching videos daily, streaming music, or just hate ads, it brings solid value to the table.
That said, it’s not for everyone. If you’re a casual viewer or already subscribed to Spotify or Apple Music, it might be overkill. But for die-hard YouTube users? One may think of it like upgrading from a beat-up hatchback to a smooth electric car that comes without any ads. Once you have the taste of it, reversing and running are the last options.