With YouTube cracking down on ad-blockers, many users are taking a fresh look at YouTube Premium. For a monthly fee, the service promises an enhanced viewing experience. But is it worth it, specifically for gamers? The answer depends on how you use the platform. Gamers often rely on YouTube for more than just entertainment—it's a resource for guides, walkthroughs, news, and podcasts. Let's break down the key features of YouTube Premium and see how they stack up for a gaming audience.
The Ad-Free Experience
This is the main selling point. An ad-free experience means no more pre-roll or mid-roll interruptions. When you're in the middle of a complex boss fight guide or trying to quickly solve a puzzle, not having to wait for an ad to finish can be a significant quality-of-life improvement. This applies across all devices, from your desktop to your smart TV and mobile phone.
Background Play on Mobile
This might be the most underrated feature for gamers. Background play allows a video's audio to continue playing even after you've minimized the app or locked your phone screen. This is incredibly useful for:
- Gaming Podcasts and News Shows: Listen to your favorite gaming commentators while you're commuting, doing chores, or even while playing a game on your console or PC.
- Walkthroughs and Guides: You can listen to instructions or lore explanations from a video guide while actively playing the game on another screen, without needing the video to be visible.
- Game Soundtracks: Turn YouTube into a massive library of game music that you can listen to anytime.
Offline Downloads
The ability to download videos for offline viewing is perfect for gamers on the go. You can save long-form video essays, entire walkthrough playlists, or reviews to watch during a flight, on the subway, or anywhere you don't have a reliable internet connection. This ensures you always have content ready without eating into your mobile data plan.
YouTube Music Premium Included
A YouTube Premium subscription also includes full access to YouTube Music Premium. This is a separate music streaming app that competes with services like Spotify. It gives you ad-free access to a massive catalog of official songs, albums, and, uniquely, music videos and live performances from YouTube. For gamers who enjoy listening to game soundtracks or curated playlists while they play, this is a substantial added value.
So, Is It Worth It?
If you only watch a few YouTube videos on your desktop with an ad-blocker, Premium probably isn't for you. However, for gamers who use YouTube heavily on multiple devices (especially mobile), the combination of an ad-free experience, background play, and offline downloads can genuinely improve how you consume gaming content. The inclusion of a full-featured music streaming service makes the deal even better. It's best to evaluate how much you use these specific features to decide if the monthly cost is justified for your habits.
FAQ on YouTube Premium
Does YouTube Premium support creators?
Yes. YouTube pays a portion of your subscription fee to the creators you watch, based on how much time you spend watching their content. It's another way to support them besides ad revenue.
What's the difference between YouTube Premium and YouTube TV?
They are completely different services. YouTube Premium enhances the standard YouTube experience. YouTube TV is a cable-replacement service for streaming live television channels.
Can I share my subscription?
YouTube Premium offers a 'Family Plan' at a higher cost that allows you to share your subscription with up to five other family members in your household.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube Premium's main benefit is removing all ads across all devices.
- Background play on mobile is a standout feature for listening to gaming podcasts or guides while doing other things.
- Offline downloads are great for travel or saving mobile data.
- A subscription includes full access to YouTube Music Premium, a complete music streaming service.
- Its value for gamers depends heavily on how much you use YouTube on mobile and for audio-based content.
Related Reading
- YouTube's Ad-Blocker Crackdown: What It Means and Your Options
- How to Audit Your Streaming Subscriptions and Save Money