In today’s digital era, streaming services dominate the landscape of how we consume music and video content. Among the many available platforms, YouTube stands as a giant, offering users a vast range of free and premium content. If you’re considering upgrading your experience with YouTube Premium, one of the most common questions that arises is: Does YouTube Premium include YouTube Music? Let’s dive deep into what you actually get with a YouTube Premium subscription and clear up any confusion.
TLDR: What You Need to Know
Yes, YouTube Premium includes full access to YouTube Music Premium. When you subscribe to YouTube Premium, you automatically gain access to YouTube Music’s full array of features — including ad-free music, offline downloads, and background play. This makes YouTube Premium a great value for users who enjoy both video and music streaming. Essentially, it’s a two-in-one package rolled into a single subscription.
What is YouTube Premium?
YouTube Premium is a paid membership service that enhances the core YouTube experience. It primarily aims to eliminate ads, provide enhanced features for video consumption, and unlock a better mobile experience. When you subscribe to YouTube Premium, you get:
- Ad-free videos: Watch all content without interruptions.
- Offline viewing: Download videos and watch them later, even without internet access.
- Background play: Keep videos or music playing while using other apps or with your screen off.
- YouTube Originals: Exclusive access to premium content and series created by YouTube.
- Access to YouTube Music Premium: Full music streaming experience included in your subscription.
What is YouTube Music?
YouTube Music is Google’s answer to streaming giants like Spotify and Apple Music. It’s a dedicated app and service that combines official tracks, albums, live performances, remixes, and user-generated content into one accessible platform. As a music-centric service, it’s tailored for music discovery and easy playlist integration.
YouTube Music offers a free, ad-supported version and a premium tier. The premium tier is where the real power lies: ad-free listening, downloads, high-quality audio, and background play are among its key features.
Is YouTube Music Included in YouTube Premium?
Absolutely, yes. A YouTube Premium subscription automatically includes YouTube Music Premium. This means you’re not paying separately for a music streaming service. Your subscription unlocks:
- Ad-free music streaming on the YouTube Music app and web version.
- Download tracks for offline listening, perfect for commutes or travel.
- Background audio play, so your music keeps going even when you leave the app or lock your phone.
- Access to YouTube Music’s library of over 80 million official songs, covers, mashups, and remixes.
If you previously used services like Google Play Music, this inclusion is beneficial as YouTube Music is its spiritual successor, designed to absorb and expand upon that platform’s features.
Differences Between YouTube Premium and YouTube Music Premium
Though related, these two services serve different core purposes. Understanding this distinction helps clarify why bundling them together makes YouTube Premium such a convenient option:
| Feature | YouTube Premium | YouTube Music Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Ad-free Experience | Yes (All YouTube content) | Yes (Only music content) |
| Offline Downloads | Yes (Videos and music) | Yes (Music only) |
| Background Play | Yes (Videos and music) | Yes (Music only) |
| Video Content | Yes | No |
| Included with Purchase | YouTube Music Premium is included | Only music features available |
In essence, while YouTube Music Premium is only focused on music, YouTube Premium extends both functionalities to include all content on YouTube, making it a more comprehensive choice.
Subscription Cost and Value
YouTube Premium is priced competitively:
- Individual Plan: Around $11.99/month (exact price may vary by region)
- Family Plan: $17.99/month for up to 6 family members
- Student Plan: $6.99/month with verification
What makes these plans more attractive is that they bundle two services—YouTube and YouTube Music—for the price of one. Compared to Spotify Premium and Apple Music, priced similarly but without video content, YouTube’s offering stands out in terms of versatility.
How to Access YouTube Music with YouTube Premium
If you’ve already subscribed to YouTube Premium, you don’t need to take any extra steps to get YouTube Music Premium. Simply:
- Download the YouTube Music app from your preferred app store, or visit music.youtube.com.
- Log in with the same Google account linked to your YouTube Premium.
- You’ll automatically have access to YouTube Music Premium features!
Note: If you’re using a family plan, all members included in the plan will have access to YouTube Music Premium as long as they use their linked accounts.
Who Should Get YouTube Premium?
YouTube Premium is ideal for:
- Users who want to avoid ads across YouTube and YouTube Music
- People who enjoy watching videos and listening to music without interruptions
- Anyone who consumes content on mobile devices and values features like offline access and background play
- Families sharing multiple devices and accounts
Limitations to Be Aware Of
Even though YouTube Premium unlocks a lot of convenient features, there are a few limitations:
- Local content restrictions: Some content might still be restricted based on your location or licensing issues.
- Confusing branding: Since YouTube Music and YouTube Premium are marketed as separate services, it can cause initial confusion until you understand what’s included.
- Interface quirks: Unlike traditional music services, YouTube Music integrates some non-music video content, which might not appeal to all users.
Final Thoughts
To conclude: if you’re a fan of both YouTube and music streaming, YouTube Premium offers some of the best value available today. With YouTube Music Premium included, you effectively receive two platforms for the price of one—one for all your video needs and one for high-quality music streaming. That blend of visual and audio entertainment is hard to beat.
So next time you’re considering which streaming service to subscribe to, remember that YouTube Premium not only removes the ads from your viewing experience—it gives your ears something special too.
Whether you’re commuting, working out, or just chilling at home, YouTube Premium ensures you’re always connected to the content you love—without interruptions.
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