YouTube, the world’s largest video streaming platform with over a billion users, has long been a go-to destination for free video content. So why should anyone pay for YouTube Premium? The answer lies in its perks, which elevate your viewing experience beyond just ad-free streaming. Here’s a breakdown of the key features that make YouTube Premium worth considering.
Background Play
If you’re a regular YouTube user, you’ve probably noticed how videos stop playing the moment you switch to another app. With YouTube Premium, this frustration disappears. The service allows videos to continue in a floating mini-player, enabling you to pause, resume, or even shrink the video into a picture-in-picture mode.
For those who prefer audio-only, YouTube Premium also lets you play videos in the background without visuals. By simply tapping the headphone button on the mini-player, you can enjoy podcasts, music, or interviews while browsing the web, gaming, or scrolling through social media. This flexibility is a game-changer for multitaskers.
Video Queues
One of YouTube Premium’s lesser-known gems is its ability to queue videos. This feature allows you to line up videos so you can watch your preferred content back-to-back without interruptions.
Adding a video to your queue is simple: tap the three-dot menu next to the video, select Play next in the queue, and it will automatically follow your current video. Whether you’re watching a series of tutorials or lining up music videos, this feature ensures seamless entertainment.
Smart Downloads
Have you ever been caught without the internet and wished you’d remembered to download some videos? YouTube Premium’s Smart Downloads solves this by automatically saving recommended content when you’re connected to Wi-Fi.
You can even customize the quality of these downloads to suit your storage capacity or viewing preferences. To activate it, open the YouTube app, tap your profile picture, head to Downloads > Settings, and toggle Smart Downloads. With this feature, you’ll always have something to watch, even in no-network zones.
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Enhanced Video Quality
For those who love fast-paced sports or videos with intricate visuals, YouTube Premium offers an exclusive 1080p Premium option. While it maintains the same resolution as standard 1080p, this version delivers a higher bitrate, resulting in sharper, smoother, and less blurry visuals—especially in motion-heavy content.
Switching to this enhanced quality is a breeze. While watching a video, tap the settings icon, go to Quality, and select 1080p Premium. Do note, however, that this option is not available for all videos.
Skip Sponsor Segments
Even with ads removed, many creators incorporate sponsor segments directly into their videos. YouTube Premium offers an effortless way to bypass these sections. Simply hold the progress bar and skip to the next part of the video. Whether you’re short on time or just want to get to the core content, this feature ensures uninterrupted viewing.
Choosing the Right YouTube Premium Plan
In India, YouTube Premium is surprisingly affordable compared to other countries. The plans offer identical benefits, so your choice depends on your personal needs. Plus, YouTube allows you to try Premium free for a month, giving you a risk-free opportunity to explore its features.
- Individual Plan: Priced at ₹149/month, this is perfect for solo users. Opting for the annual plan at ₹1,490 gets you 12 months of Premium for the price of 10.
- Family Plan: At ₹299/month, this allows up to five members to enjoy Premium features on their individual Google accounts.
- Student Plan: Costing just ₹89/month, this plan is ideal for verified students and requires annual re-verification.
With affordable pricing and a plethora of benefits, YouTube Premium ensures that your streaming experience is not only ad-free but also optimized for convenience, quality, and personalization. Whether you’re a multitasker, a quality enthusiast, or simply someone who values uninterrupted viewing, YouTube Premium offers something for everyone.