Are you tired of sitting through YouTube ads? YouTube Premium is a way to go ad-free and access other benefits, but it’s not cheap.
In this article and the video below, I’ll share five ways to lower your YouTube Premium bill.
1. Get a Free Trial
The first and most obvious way to save is by taking advantage of a free trial.
A one-month free trial is available directly from YouTube Premium’s website at the time of this writing, which is pretty standard.
Years ago, I got a free trial that was three months long.
You can also find extended free trials from third parties. One example that I found recently is six months of YouTube Premium for Google Fi Wireless subscribers.
(Due to its high pricing, I only recommend Google Fi to those who take advantage of the international perks.)
2. New Verizon Discount
Here’s something new: Select Verizon mobile and home internet customers can add YouTube Premium for only $10 a month.
That’s a savings of $4 a month for the individual plan.
I have Verizon 5G Home Internet and the YouTube Premium discount is just one of several new streaming perks that can save you money.
I’ve reported on other offers for Max and Netflix, the Disney Bundle and even YouTube TV.
Verizon Home Internet is growing, but it’s not available everywhere in the United States. You can use this link to see if the service is offered where you live.
If not, my internet plan comparison tool may help you find another affordable internet plan.
3. Sign Up Directly Through YouTube
Are you paying the so-called Apple Tax?
Here’s how to tell: YouTube Premium is $13.99 a month through YouTube and $18.99 a month through Apple at the time this article was published.
It’s the exact same service that can be used across all devices no matter where you sign up.
If you’re overpaying, don’t beat yourself up. Take action like some Michael Saves viewers and save $60 a year by switching your billing.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Cancel YouTube Premium through Apple
- Let your subscription expire
- Open a web browser and sign up directly from YouTube
4. Get an Annual Plan
Did you know that YouTube Premium offers an annual plan? If you’re a new customer, you’ll see this option on the service’s website.
The price of the individual annual plan is $139.99.
If you have the monthly plan, the service adds up to $167.88 over 12 months.
So, the annual plan saves you a couple bucks a month.
Unfortunately, YouTube hides this plan from existing customers. In that case, you have to cancel the monthly plan and then you’ll see the annual plan option.
This annual discount is for the individual plan only, not the family or student plans.
5. Pay With a Google Play Gift Card
If you ever find a Google Play gift card on sale, you can buy one and use it to pay for YouTube Premium.
In the past, I’ve picked up a free Google Play gift card from the Fetch app. Fetch is a free app where you upload grocery receipts, earn points and redeem them for gift cards.
I’ve used Fetch for years. My first YouTube video was about Fetch!
If you sign up for Fetch as a new user and use my code (2Q7VV3), you’ll typically get some bonus points that will help you earn your first gift card faster.
I also have an article that walks you through my strategy for using the Fetch app, which is similar to Ibotta.
Once you’ve received your Google Play gift card, make sure to follow the redemption instructions and select your Google Play balance as the payment method.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Although I was previously a YouTube Premium subscriber, I have since canceled the service as well as other Google-owned services like YouTube TV. This is in response to changes Google has implemented that have unfairly penalized small creators, including an 80% reduction in YouTube revenue for Michael Saves since November 2022. If my content has saved you money, you can support my work by starting your next Amazon shop using my link. When you start your normal shopping from my storefront, I may receive a small commission for certain purchases. Thank you for your support!