A platform where you can watch everything from memes and skits to sci-fi documentaries and deep-dive conspiracy theories—you already know what YouTube is. But what you might not know is that it’s physically impossible to watch all the content this platform has.
In fact, 720,000 hours of content are uploaded to YouTube every day. It means it would take you around 82 years to watch just that, without sleeping, eating, or taking a break.
With that much content, the real challenge isn’t finding something to watch. Instead, it’s watching without constant interruptions that you experience because of ads. That’s where YouTube Premium comes in.
But is YouTube Premium actually worth it? Let’s break it down.
What is YouTube Premium?
YouTube Premium is a monthly or yearly subscription service that YouTube offers for an enhanced experience on the platform. There are three different models to choose from including:
- Individual
- Family
- Student
It’s important to note that the price of each plan varies from country to country due to multiple reasons, such as currency differences and purchasing power.
Features of YouTube Premium for Cruise Travelers
Opting for YouTube Premium provides you with access to some very useful features that aren’t available on the free version of YouTube. These include:
Ad-Free Viewing
Arguably, the biggest benefit of using YouTube Premium is that it allows you to watch videos without annoying ads. You don’t see search ads, third-party banner ads, and video overlay ads before, during, or after any video. It allows you to stay focused on what you’re watching without breaking the flow.
Important Note: Even when you have YouTube Premium, you can still face embedded ads in the videos. That’s because content creators add these to their videos, not YouTube.
Background Play
With YouTube Premium, you have the option to turn on background play which enables you to listen to music, podcasts, or any other content while using other apps. You can simply start the video, minimize the app, and keep the audio playing. The same functionality also works when you’re using YouTube Music or YouTube Kids with a premium membership.
Background play comes in handy when you’re multitasking on your phone, like texting or scrolling through social media. Additionally, you can also take advantage of this feature while doing other tasks, such as working out or cooking.
Quick Note: If you primarily listen to music, you can opt for YouTube Music Premium, which is a standalone subscription plan designed specifically for the music app.
Downloads for Offline Use
Another excellent feature of YouTube Premium is that it allows you to download your favorite videos and songs to your device. This feature is especially useful for those who are always on the go and don’t have access to the internet all the time.
To make things even more convenient, YouTube also offers an invaluable feature called Smart Downloads. When it’s turned on, it automatically downloads recommended videos and songs to your device for offline use.
Continue Watching
The “Continue Watching” feature enables you to, well, continue watching videos from where you left off. For example, if you’re watching a documentary on your phone while commuting, you can switch to your laptop or TV when you get home and resume exactly where you stopped.
How Much Does YouTube Premium Cost?
As mentioned earlier, the cost of a YouTube Premium subscription varies by country. For example, the individual plan costs $13.99 per month in the US and €14 per month in most European countries.
However, there are countries where you can buy YouTube Premium for less than $2 per month. Yes, you read that right. For instance, the monthly plan starts at only $1.80 in Turkey.
What if we told you that it’s possible to get YouTube Premium at a cheaper rate, even if you’re not in a country where it costs less? The easiest way to achieve this is to use a reliable VPN tool.
It’ll allow you to connect to a server in a country where YouTube Premium is available at a lower price. Doing so will make you appear on YouTube as a user from that country and subscribe at the local rate. If you want a detailed tutorial on how to get YouTube Premium cheaper with a VPN, you can use this guide by VPNpro.
Final Verdict: Is YouTube Premium Worth It for Cruise Travelers?
If you’re a heavy YouTube user, you can benefit from YouTube Premium greatly because of the convenience its features offer. However, depending on your country, its price can be a deal breaker, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
But worry not, because you can still get YouTube Premium at a lower price using a VPN. Just make sure to opt for a reliable VPN tool that can get the job done.
