How to Get YouTube Premium Cheaper
YouTube Premium enhances your experience across the platform, removing ads, enabling background playback, and unlocking full access to YouTube Music. But while the benefits are clear, the subscription cost can be a deal-breaker for some. Whether you’re watching casually or daily, the monthly fee adds up over time.
Luckily, you don’t have to pay full price. There are multiple legitimate and safe ways to enjoy YouTube Premium at a discounted rate. Some are offered directly by YouTube, while others require a bit of creativity, but all are perfectly accessible with a little guidance. This article walks you through the most effective methods to save money while still enjoying the full Premium experience.
Key Points
- YouTube offers official student and family discounts that can cut your monthly fee nearly in half.
- Regional pricing varies significantly; subscribing from a lower-cost country using a VPN is a popular (and effective) method.
- Alternative options like discounted gift cards or carefully vetted resellers can provide additional savings, if used wisely.
How can I get YouTube Premium at a lower price?
If you’re wondering whether there’s a legitimate way to get YouTube Premium without paying full price, the answer is yes. YouTube itself provides discounted plans for specific user groups, such as students and families. Additionally, regional pricing differences and smart payment methods offer further savings for those willing to explore beyond the default route.
The key is to combine official offers with clever workarounds that don’t break YouTube’s terms, or your budget. By understanding how pricing works across regions, using secure payment strategies, and avoiding shady “free Premium” scams, you can confidently reduce your subscription costs while keeping all the benefits.
5 Effective Ways to Get YouTube Premium Cheaper
1. Use the Student Discount
YouTube offers an official student plan with a 50% discount. To apply, visit the YouTube Premium sign-up page and select “Student Plan.” You’ll need to verify your enrollment through SheerID, a trusted platform that works with academic institutions around the world.
Once verified, you’ll pay nearly half the regular price for up to four years. Keep in mind that re-verification is required annually to maintain eligibility. If you’re currently studying, this is easily the best-value option available, ideal for ad-free study sessions and uninterrupted music.
2. Join a Family Plan
The YouTube Premium Family Plan allows up to six users (including yourself) to share one subscription, provided everyone lives in the same household. While the total monthly cost is higher than a single-user plan, it becomes incredibly cost-effective when split among five other people.
Setting it up is simple: go to your Google Account settings, create or manage your “Family Group,” and invite up to five family members. Each person gets their own full access to YouTube Premium, background play, offline downloads, and no ads, at a fraction of the solo price. Just be aware that YouTube occasionally checks location data to ensure compliance with the “same household” rule.
3. Subscribe via a Country with Lower Prices
YouTube Premium pricing varies widely by region. For instance, in countries like India, Turkey, or Argentina, the monthly fee can be up to 80% cheaper than in the U.S., U.K., or Western Europe. This opens the door to substantial savings, if you use a VPN and a bit of setup effort.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Use a reputable VPN and connect to a server in a country with lower pricing.
- Create a new Google account while connected to the VPN.
- Visit the YouTube Premium sign-up page and complete the registration using that account.
- Once your subscription is active, you can disconnect the VPN and use your account normally.
Important: Keep your billing details consistent with the country selected to avoid automatic regional price adjustments. This method requires some care, but it’s perfectly safe when done properly.
4. Use Google Play Gift Cards to Pay
In some regions, you can use Google Play gift cards to pay for YouTube Premium, avoiding credit card charges or location-based price limits. What makes this method particularly useful is the possibility of buying these gift cards at a discount during promotions or through verified resellers.
To use this method:
- Buy a discounted Google Play gift card.
- Redeem the card balance in your Google Play account.
- Set this balance as your default payment method for YouTube Premium.
This strategy won’t cut your costs in half, but when stacked over time, especially during promotions, it can make a noticeable difference in your yearly expenses.
5. Explore Third-Party Resellers (With Caution)
Some websites and online communities offer access to shared or preconfigured YouTube Premium accounts, typically as part of a family group from regions with lower subscription rates. While this can drastically reduce the cost, it’s a grey area and not without risks.
If you decide to go down this path:
- Research the provider thoroughly. Look for user reviews, refund policies, and verified payment methods.
- Be cautious with your personal information and payment details.
- Understand that YouTube may detect and suspend accounts that violate its terms, especially if users are spread across different geographic regions.
This method can be appealing for short-term savings but isn’t recommended as a long-term solution. Use it only if you’re comfortable with the potential downsides and ready to switch plans if needed.
Is it legal to subscribe to YouTube Premium from another country using a VPN?
Using a VPN to subscribe from a country with cheaper rates isn’t illegal, but it may breach YouTube’s terms of service. That said, many users successfully use this strategy without consequences, especially when setting up a new Google account and maintaining consistent billing info. As always, proceed mindfully to reduce the risk of issues.
Can I share a YouTube Premium family plan with people outside my household?
Officially, no. YouTube states that all family members on a Premium plan must reside at the same address. To enforce this, YouTube occasionally runs checks based on IP addresses and device locations. While it’s common for users to share plans with friends or relatives in different places, doing so can lead to removal from the group or even suspension of the plan.
Will I be eligible for another free trial if I cancel YouTube Premium?
Not immediately. Free trials are typically limited to one per account, and after canceling, you may not be eligible for another trial on the same Google account for quite some time. However, YouTube occasionally offers discounted return offers after several months of inactivity. Alternatively, you can try using a new Google account to see if a fresh trial is available.
Conclusion
Saving money on YouTube Premium doesn’t have to involve risky hacks or breaking the rules. Whether you’re a student, part of a household, or just someone willing to get creative, there are multiple reliable strategies to cut down your subscription cost without losing out on any features.
From official discounts to regional pricing tactics and smart payment methods, the options are flexible and accessible to users worldwide. The key is to choose the method that best fits your situation, and to stay informed about YouTube’s evolving policies. With just a bit of effort, you can enjoy Premium content, ad-free music, and offline videos, all while keeping more money in your pocket.
