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Are you tired of seeing ads on YouTube interrupting your favorite videos? Or do you want to download your favorite content to watch offline without restrictions? YouTube Premium can give you that seamless experience, but it comes with a monthly subscription fee. What if I told you there are simple ways how to get YouTube Premium for free? Yes, you heard that right! In this article, we’ll dive into some clever hacks and tricks that can help you enjoy the perks of YouTube Premium without spending a dime.
What Is YouTube Premium?
Before we dive into the hacks, it’s essential to understand what YouTube Premium is. In simple terms, YouTube Premium is a subscription service offered by YouTube that gives users access to an ad-free experience, offline downloads, and background play. On top of that, it includes access to YouTube Music Premium, an ad-free music streaming service.
By subscribing to YouTube Premium, you also get exclusive access to YouTube Originals—shows and movies produced by YouTube itself.
Why Should You Get YouTube Premium?
You might be asking yourself, “Why should I even bother with YouTube Premium?” Here are a few reasons why it’s a game-changer:
- Ad-Free Viewing: No more annoying ads interrupting your binge-watch sessions.
- Offline Viewing: Download videos and watch them later without needing an internet connection.
- Background Play: Listen to videos while using other apps or when your screen is locked.
- Access to YouTube Music: An added bonus for music lovers—get YouTube Music without ads.
While the service is great, the subscription cost might deter some users. Luckily, there are ways around this!
Free Trials: The Easiest Way to Access Premium Features
The first and easiest way to get YouTube Premium for free is through the YouTube Premium Free Trial. YouTube regularly offers new users a 1-month free trial, and sometimes it can extend up to 3 months during special promotions.
Here’s how you can sign up:
- Go to the YouTube Premium page.
- Click the “Try it free” button.
- Enter your payment details (don’t worry, you won’t be charged until after the trial ends).
- Enjoy YouTube Premium free for up to three months!
Pro tip: If you cancel the subscription before the trial ends, you won’t be charged a penny. Just remember to set a reminder!
Family Plan Sharing: Split the Bill
Did you know that YouTube Premium offers a Family Plan? This plan allows up to six people to share a single Premium account. The cost of the Family Plan is $17.99 per month in the US, but when split between six people, it comes down to less than $3 per person—almost free!
Here’s how to set it up:
- Subscribe to YouTube Premium and choose the Family Plan option.
- Invite up to five family members (they must be in the same country).
- Each member gets their own Premium benefits on their personal account.
This is a great way to share the perks of YouTube Premium while keeping costs low.
Carrier and ISP Promotions
Many mobile carriers and internet service providers (ISPs) have started offering YouTube Premium as part of their promotional deals. For instance, T-Mobile has previously offered free YouTube Premium for specific plans. Similarly, some ISPs bundle YouTube Premium with high-speed internet packages.
How to find out if your carrier offers it:
- Check your carrier’s promotions page.
- Call customer service and ask if they have any ongoing deals with YouTube Premium.
- Keep an eye on promotional offers during holidays or special events.
If you’re already paying for a service that offers YouTube Premium as an add-on, it’s a no-brainer to take advantage of it!
Google One Subscription Perks
If you’re already paying for Google One for extra storage space on Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos, there’s good news! From time to time, Google One offers free trials of YouTube Premium as part of its perks.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Check your Google One perks in the app or website.
- Look for YouTube Premium trial offers.
- Redeem the offer and enjoy YouTube Premium for free for a limited time.
This is a great hidden gem for anyone already using Google One, so make sure to check if you’re eligible for this freebie!
Also Read: How to tell your crush you like them
YouTube Premium Bundles with Other Services
Some services bundle YouTube Premium with their subscription. For example, Samsung has offered free YouTube Premium subscriptions with the purchase of certain smartphones. Similarly, tech and streaming giants like Spotify or Netflix might include YouTube Premium as part of a promotion.
Keep an eye out for:
- Bundle offers with new phone purchases.
- Promotions when signing up for other entertainment or tech-related services.
These deals can vary by region and time of year, so be on the lookout!
Using Educational Email for Discounts
Are you a student? If so, YouTube offers a Student Discount on YouTube Premium. With a verified educational email, you can access YouTube Premium for as low as $6.99 per month—a significant discount compared to the regular price.
How to get the student discount:
- Go to YouTube’s Student Discount page.
- Verify your student status with your educational email.
- Sign up for the discounted plan.
Although this isn’t free, it’s a great way for students to access YouTube Premium at a heavily reduced price.
Regional Pricing Hacks
Did you know that YouTube Premium pricing varies from country to country? In some countries, the subscription fee is significantly lower due to local economic conditions. A well-known hack is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to sign up for YouTube Premium in countries like India or Argentina, where the subscription cost is a fraction of what it is in the US or Europe.
Here’s how it works:
- Download a trusted VPN app.
- Connect to a server in a country with lower YouTube Premium pricing.
- Sign up for YouTube Premium while connected to that region.
Keep in mind that this method might not always work, and using a VPN for such purposes can come with its own risks, like account suspension.
YouTube Premium for Students
Similar to the educational email discounts, YouTube also has a YouTube Premium Student Plan, specifically designed for students in accredited institutions. This plan allows you to enjoy all Premium features at a discounted rate, and it’s verified through SheerID.
To access this, you’ll need:
- A valid student email address.
- Enrollment at an accredited university or college.
- To pass the SheerID verification process.
The cost is lower, and it’s an excellent option for students looking to save some money.
Explore Free Alternatives to YouTube Premium
Maybe you’re wondering if YouTube Premium is really necessary. While it offers some fantastic features, there are free alternatives that can provide similar benefits:
- Ad Blockers: Use a browser extension like uBlock Origin to block YouTube ads on desktop browsers.
- NewPipe: This is an open-source Android app that allows you to watch YouTube videos ad-free, download videos, and play them in the background.
- Offline Viewing: Some videos on YouTube are free to download on mobile apps without a Premium subscription.
While these alternatives might not give you the full premium experience, they can help you avoid some of the major pain points, such as ads.
Can YouTube Premium Be Shared with Friends?
While the YouTube Family Plan is intended for family members, in reality, many people share their subscriptions with friends. If you trust your friends and they live in the same country, you can easily share the Family Plan to cut down costs.
Keep in mind that while this may not be officially allowed by YouTube, it’s a common practice among users.
Potential Risks of Using Third-Party Hacks
There are countless websites and apps claiming to offer YouTube Premium for free through third-party hacks, cracked accounts, or illegal methods. Be cautious, as these often involve downloading malicious software or giving away personal information.
Using such methods could lead to:
- Account suspension.
- Malware and viruses on your device.
- Compromised personal information.
Instead of risking your account, it’s better to use legitimate methods like free trials or discounts to access YouTube Premium.
Also Read: How to tell your crush you like them
Conclusion:
Now that we’ve explored several ways to access YouTube Premium for free or at a lower cost, you might be wondering if it’s worth the effort. In short, it depends on how much you use YouTube and what features you value.
If you watch YouTube frequently and hate ads, the Premium experience is fantastic. However, if you’re on a budget, using free trials, sharing a family plan, or exploring alternatives could be just as effective.
Ultimately, it’s about finding the right balance between cost and convenience for your YouTube experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long is the YouTube Premium free trial?
Typically, YouTube offers a 1-month free trial, but during promotional periods, this can extend to 3 months. Check the website for current offers.
2. Can I get YouTube Premium for free using a VPN?
Yes, by using a VPN to connect to countries with lower subscription fees like India or Argentina, you can save money on YouTube Premium. However, this method carries some risks.
3. Is sharing YouTube Premium with friends allowed?
Technically, the Family Plan is meant for family members, but many users share it with friends. While not officially allowed, it’s a common practice.
4. What happens if I cancel my YouTube Premium trial?
If you cancel your trial before the period ends, you won’t be charged. You will lose access to Premium features once the trial expires.
5. Are there any alternatives to YouTube Premium?
Yes, you can use ad blockers or apps like NewPipe to avoid ads and download videos for offline use. However, these options may not provide the full range of Premium benefits.
