The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →YouTube Premium is more than an ad-removal switch. The subscription also includes background listening, offline viewing, temporary mobile queues, Jump ahead, and YouTube Music Premium. These five benefits are easy to miss because several live in mobile settings or a separate app. Availability can vary by country, device, account, content and plan, so check Your Premium benefits for the features enabled on your account.
What full YouTube Premium includes
Full Premium generally bundles ad-free YouTube videos, YouTube Music Premium, downloads, background play and YouTube Kids benefits where available. It also offers features such as queueing, Jump ahead, Smart Downloads, On-the-go and selected offers. YouTube-served ads are removed in supported contexts, but creator-read sponsorships, promotions embedded in a video, some live-event promotions and Primetime Channels promotions can still appear. Premium does not include YouTube TV, Primetime Channel purchases, channel memberships or NFL Sunday Ticket.
The five features below are the most useful additions for people who already pay mainly to remove ads. YouTube has not published evidence proving that a majority of subscribers fail to use them, so “many” is a safer description than “most.”
1. Turn YouTube into an audio app with Background play
Background play keeps audio running when your phone screen is off or when you use another app. It suits podcasts, interviews, lectures, news commentary, audiobooks, ambient sound and long music videos during a commute, workout or cooking session.
#1 Best Overall
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Set it up in the YouTube app
- Open YouTube and tap your profile picture.
- Choose Settings.
- Open Background & downloads.
- Tap Background play.
- Select Always on, Off or Headphones or external speakers.
The control is available in the YouTube, YouTube Music and YouTube Kids mobile apps where those apps are offered. It does not work in the Shorts player. You must be signed in to the Google account that owns Premium, and individual videos can be ineligible.
If background audio stops
- Confirm that the correct account still has an active Premium membership.
- Check the Background play setting and update the app.
- Allow background data and notifications for YouTube in your phone settings.
- Stop another app that may already be playing audio.
- Try a different video in case the original is not eligible.
Premium Lite has narrower background-play support, including exclusions for Shorts and certain music content. See YouTube’s current feature list at YouTube Premium benefits.
2. Download videos and let Smart Downloads prepare recommendations
Downloads are useful on flights, road trips, weak mobile networks and any situation where you want to avoid cellular data. You can save videos in the YouTube app, and music in YouTube Music. Computer downloads are supported in Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Opera.
Rank #2
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Download a video on a phone or tablet
- Sign in to the YouTube app with the Premium account.
- Open the video and tap Download.
- Choose a quality if YouTube asks.
- Later, open Profile picture → Downloads.
To change the default quality, go to Profile picture → Settings → Background & downloads → Download quality. Higher quality uses more storage and data and takes longer.
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Smart Downloads automatically adds recommended videos or music to your offline library. It is a convenience feature, not permanent storage: YouTube selects the items, and the downloads can consume storage or mobile data according to your settings. Review the Smart Downloads control if your phone is filling up or using more data than expected.
Offline limits you need to know
- You generally need to reconnect periodically so YouTube can verify that the content is still available. The usual offline window is up to 29 days; some regions use a 48-hour limit.
- A video that is removed or otherwise becomes unavailable can disappear at the next synchronization.
- You must remain signed in to the same Premium account.
- Downloads are protected app content, not video files that can be exported to another player.
- Comments and likes may require an internet connection while watching a download.
When a download fails
- Check that Premium has not expired and that you are using the subscribing Google account.
- Check free device storage.
- Confirm whether downloads are restricted to Wi-Fi and connect to an allowed network.
- Update YouTube, reconnect to the internet and retry.
- If an old download will not play, reconnect so YouTube can check its availability.
See the mobile and computer requirements in YouTube’s download instructions and computer download help.
Rank #3
- Watch the entertainment you love with Chromecast with Google TV, including live TV in up to 4K HDR; discover over 700,000 movies and TV episodes, plus millions of songs
- Get fast streaming, and enjoy a crystal clear picture up to 4K and brighter colors with HDR
- Your home screen displays movies and TV shows from all your services in one place with Chromecast 4K; get personal recommendations based on your subscriptions, viewing habits, and content you own
- Press the Google Assistant button on the remote and use voice search to find specific shows, youtube tv streaming, or search by mood, genre, actress, and more; control the volume, switch inputs, play music, and get answers, hands-free
- Chromecast is easy to install and compatible with almost any TV that has an HDMI port; to get started, just plug it into your TV’s HDMI port, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming
3. Build a temporary queue on your phone
Queueing lets you line up videos for the current viewing session without creating a permanent playlist. It is handy for several clips from one creator, a sequence of tutorials or a planned evening of related videos.
Premium members can manually queue videos on Android phones and tablets, and YouTube describes faster ways to add recommendations. The exact button and menu can change with the app version and account; on iPhone and iPad, verify the current queue control in your app because YouTube’s documented procedure is not universal.
A queue is temporary and session-oriented. Use a playlist when you need a durable, shareable or reusable collection.
Rank #4
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
4. Use Jump ahead to bypass commonly skipped sections
Jump ahead uses viewer behavior to move playback toward a point where people commonly fast-forward. It can save time in long tutorials, lectures, interviews and reviews with lengthy openings or repeated material. It is not a chapter navigator and may choose a point that is useful to many viewers but not to you.
Controls YouTube documents
- Computer: double-click to fast-forward, or hover over the progress bar.
- macOS keyboard: press Option + Right Arrow.
- Windows keyboard: press Ctrl + Right Arrow.
- Living-room devices: available on compatible smart TVs, streaming devices and game consoles.
Device support and the exact prompt can differ, so do not assume the same interaction on every screen. The feature is described in the official Premium benefits guide.
5. Claim the included YouTube Music Premium membership
Full YouTube Premium includes YouTube Music Premium at no separate charge. In YouTube Music you get ad-free songs and music videos, offline listening, background play, remixes, covers, DJ sets and hard-to-find recordings. Supported music videos can switch between audio and video with one tap.
Best Value
- Essential 4K streaming – Get everything you need to stream in brilliant 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range 10+ (HDR10+).
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Make your TV even smarter – Fire TV gives you instant access to a world of content, tailor-made recommendations, and Alexa, all backed by fast performance.
- All your favorite apps in one place – Experience endless entertainment with access to Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. Easily discover what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes (subscription fees may apply), including free, ad-supported content.
- Getting set up is easy – Plug in and connect to Wi-Fi for smooth streaming.
Check for duplicate billing
YouTube Music Premium alone focuses on music and does not provide the full ad-free YouTube-video bundle. Full YouTube Premium includes Music Premium. If you pay for both subscriptions, canceling the separate Music membership may remove duplicate coverage; review the account guidance at YouTube’s subscription help before changing billing.
Podcast episodes can still contain ads or creator-inserted promotions in YouTube Music. The inclusion of Music Premium does not guarantee that every podcast is promotion-free. YouTube’s feature explanation is at YouTube Music Premium help.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose the plan that matches how you watch
There is no stable worldwide price to quote: YouTube says checkout pricing can vary by country, taxes, billing channel, promotions and eligibility. Compare the live pages rather than relying on an old figure.
| Option | Best fit | Important limits |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube Premium | People who want ad-free YouTube plus Music Premium, background play and downloads. | Individual plans are intended for one user; feature availability varies by location, device and content. |
| Premium Lite | Viewers mainly seeking fewer ads where Lite is offered. | No YouTube Music Premium; several full-Premium features, including queueing, Jump ahead, continue watching and high-quality audio/video, are excluded or limited. See Lite restrictions. |
| YouTube Music Premium | People primarily listening to music and podcasts. | Does not provide the full ad-free general-YouTube package. |
| Family plan | Up to six eligible members of one household. | Members must live in the same household as the family manager; it is not unrestricted sharing with friends elsewhere. |
| Student plan | Eligible full-time students at approved institutions. | SheerID verification and annual re-verification are required; eligibility can last up to four consecutive years. Details: student eligibility. |
| Annual plan | An individual subscriber committed to a prepaid year. | It is non-recurring, cannot be paused and is not refundable under the cited terms: annual-plan conditions. |
Streaming allowances also differ by plan and content. Individual and student plans generally support one stream, while family and two-person plans support more; consult YouTube’s streaming-limit page for the current rules.
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Match the benefit to your routine
- Commuters and listeners: start with Background play and YouTube Music.
- Travelers: use manual downloads and review Smart Downloads before leaving Wi-Fi.
- Phone and tablet viewers: use a queue for one-off viewing sessions.
- Long-form viewers: try Jump ahead, while checking the suggested point before skipping.
- Households and students: check eligibility for the family or student plan before paying the standard individual rate.
Picture-in-picture is not automatically a Premium-only benefit: YouTube says non-music long-form and Shorts picture-in-picture is available to all users on iOS and Android in supported circumstances, while some music content remains restricted. Also, no plan removes every creator sponsorship or embedded promotion.
The Bottom Line
If you mainly watch on a television and never listen, download or queue videos, full Premium may add little beyond ad removal. Otherwise, test the five features in your own account—especially YouTube Music and Downloads—then compare Lite, student, family or annual eligibility before renewing.
Quick Recap
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