YouTube Premium has been a game-changer for me over the past five years, and I've found that only a handful of features truly justify the subscription cost. While the service offers a range of benefits, these are the five features I'd fight to keep if Google were to remove all others.
Ad-Free Videos
The most obvious and widely praised benefit of YouTube Premium is ad-free viewing. It's a simple yet powerful feature that enhances the user experience significantly. Without the constant interruptions of ads, watching videos becomes a more seamless and enjoyable process. This is especially true for YouTube, which remains one of my most-used video streaming apps. The app's popularity and frequent use make the ad-free experience all the more valuable. Personally, I find it hard to imagine using YouTube without this feature, as it provides a clean and uninterrupted viewing experience, which is particularly useful for its extensive use.
YouTube Music
YouTube Music is a close second in terms of my favorite Premium features. While it may not be as feature-rich as Spotify or Apple Music, its unique strengths make it a compelling choice. The vast library of music and obscure music videos on YouTube, which I can add to my library, is a treasure trove for music enthusiasts. This feature alone is worth the subscription fee, as it provides a personalized and diverse music streaming experience. The ability to discover and save these hidden gems is a significant advantage that keeps me subscribed.
Premium Controls
YouTube's on-screen controls have evolved over the years, and the Premium controls offer a more user-friendly experience. The ability to move the playhead on the scrubber bar without constant tapping is a welcome improvement. The control center is clearly laid out, making it easy to navigate even in less-than-ideal conditions, such as in the kitchen with dirty hands. Additionally, the faster playback speeds, 1080P Premium with higher bit rate playback, and the Jump Ahead feature are invaluable. The Jump Ahead button allows me to skip boring parts, such as intros or in-stream ads, ensuring I get straight to the main content. These controls make the viewing experience more efficient and enjoyable.
Background Play
Background playback is a feature that I use so frequently that I often forget it's part of the Premium subscription. The ability to play podcasts or music in the background without keeping the screen active is a game-changer, especially for audio-first experiences. I can listen to podcasts on speaker or in earphones with the phone in my pocket, ensuring I don't miss out on important information. This feature is particularly useful for those who want to focus on the audio content without distractions, and it has become an integral part of my daily routine.
Offline Downloads
Offline downloads are a lifesaver, especially when I'm on the go or in situations where internet connectivity is limited. The Smart Downloads feature, which automatically downloads a few videos based on my preferences, ensures that I always have content available, even when I forget to download manually. This is a significant advantage, as it provides peace of mind and ensures that I can still access my favorite videos when I'm offline. The ability to download videos for offline playback is a valuable feature that enhances the flexibility and convenience of the YouTube Premium subscription.
Experimental Features
As a bonus, YouTube Premium allows me to experiment with new features before they become widely available. Tools like Jump Ahead and Auto Speed were initially offered as experimental features, and it's exciting to see how these innovations can enhance the user experience. The recent introduction of the 'Ask YouTube' feature, which allows users to ask AI questions based on the vast library of videos, is a fascinating development. These experimental features not only provide early access but also contribute to the continuous improvement of the YouTube platform.
In conclusion, these five features—ad-free videos, YouTube Music, Premium controls, background play, and offline downloads—are the heart of my YouTube Premium subscription. They provide a seamless, personalized, and efficient viewing and listening experience, making the subscription fee a worthwhile investment. While the service offers a range of benefits, these features stand out as the most valuable and essential for my daily use.
