What is YouTube Premium & Is It Worth It? (Ad-Free, Background Play & YouTube Music)
YouTube is the world's largest video platform, but interrupting pop-up ads, unskippable commercial breaks, and the inability to play videos in the background while using other apps can ruin the viewing experience. YouTube Premium is designed to fix all of these frustration points.
If you're wondering what YouTube Premium offers beyond the free version and whether it's worth the money, this guide outlines every feature, benefit, and cost-saving tip.
Core Features Included with YouTube Premium
1. 100% Ad-Free Videos Worldwide
Watch millions of videos across phone, tablet, desktop, and Smart TV without a single ad. No pre-roll ads, no mid-roll pop-ups, and no banner overlays. Videos start playing instantly without waiting for countdown timers.
2. Background Play (Screen-Off Playback)
On the free YouTube app, locking your phone screen or switching to WhatsApp/Instagram immediately stops your video audio. YouTube Premium keeps your audio or video playing seamlessly in the background while you multitask or keep your phone in your pocket.
3. Full Access to YouTube Music Premium
YouTube Premium automatically includes a full membership to YouTube Music Premium at no extra cost. This gives you ad-free access to over 100 million official songs, live performances, acoustic covers, and playlists on iOS, Android, and web.
4. Offline Video Downloads
Save videos and full playlists directly to your phone or tablet storage to watch offline when traveling, during power outages, or to save mobile data usage.
5. Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode
Watch YouTube videos in a mini floating window on your smartphone screen while simultaneously browsing social media, texting, or reading articles.
Free YouTube vs. YouTube Premium Comparison
| Feature | Free YouTube | YouTube Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Video Ads | Frequent Unskippable Ads | 100% Ad-Free |
| Background Playback | Stops when screen locks | Plays with screen off / app closed |
| YouTube Music Premium | Not Included | Included Free ($10.99 value) |
| Offline Downloads | Restricted / Quality Limited | Full HD Offline Saving |
Is YouTube Premium Worth It?
If you consume YouTube daily for tutorials, music, podcasts, news, or entertainment, YouTube Premium is considered one of the highest-value digital subscriptions available because it saves dozens of hours of ad frustration every month and eliminates the need for a separate music streaming subscription.
How to Buy Cheap YouTube Premium in Ghana with MoMo
Direct Google subscriptions require international card billing. At Subset Digital, you can get cheap YouTube Premium subscriptions using Mobile Money (MTN MoMo, Telecel Cash, AirtelTigo Money) with instant digital delivery.