What YouTube Music subscription includes
YouTube Music Premium removes ads from music playback, lets you download songs to listen offline, and plays music in the background while you use other apps. On a phone, the free version stops playing when you switch to another app or lock your screen — Premium fixes that. You can also create playlists, get personalized recommendations, and access music videos alongside the audio versions.
YouTube Music is separate from YouTube itself. If you pay for YouTube Premium (which includes ad-free video and offline downloads), you automatically get YouTube Music Premium as part of that bundle. If you only want music, you can buy YouTube Music Premium on its own.
The service works on phones, tablets, computers, and smart speakers. You sign in with your Google account, and your library and playlists sync across all your devices.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube Music Premium removes ads, allows offline downloads, and plays music in the background on your phone.
- YouTube Premium includes YouTube Music Premium, so you do not need both subscriptions if you want both services.
- A family plan covers up to six people and costs less per person than individual subscriptions.
- You can cancel anytime, and your subscription ends at the end of your current billing cycle.
Pricing and billing
YouTube Music Premium costs vary by country and change over time. In the United States, the individual plan is typically around $11.99 per month, though this amount has increased in recent years. A family plan covers up to six household members and costs more than a single subscription but less per person.
YouTube also offers a student plan at a reduced rate if you have a valid .edu email address or can verify your student status through a third-party service. You can pay monthly or, in some regions, choose an annual plan that costs less overall.
Your subscription renews automatically on the same date each month. You can change your payment method, pause your subscription temporarily, or cancel anytime through your Google account settings. If you cancel, your access ends at the end of your current billing period — you do not lose access immediately.
Family plans and sharing
A YouTube Music family plan lets up to six people each have their own account and library. Each person's recommendations, playlists, and download history stay separate. You manage the family group through Google Family Link, and you can add or remove members anytime.
The family organizer (usually the person who sets it up) pays for the plan and can see which members are using the service. Individual members cannot see each other's listening history or playlists unless they choose to share them. If someone leaves the family group, they lose access to Premium but can still use the free version of YouTube Music.
Offline downloads and storage
YouTube Music Premium lets you download songs, albums, and playlists to your phone or tablet for offline listening. Downloaded music uses storage space on your device, so the number of songs you can keep depends on how much space your phone has available. You can download the same song on up to 10 devices.
Downloads stay on your device as long as your subscription is active. If your subscription ends, you lose access to downloaded music — they do not remain playable after you cancel. You can delete downloads anytime to free up space.
How YouTube Music differs from other services
YouTube Music focuses on music videos alongside audio tracks. When you search for a song, you see both the official music video and the audio version. This is different from services like Spotify or Apple Music, which primarily show audio tracks. Some people prefer this because they can watch a music video without switching apps; others find it distracting.
YouTube Music also integrates with YouTube itself — your watch history and recommendations across both services can influence each other. If you watch a lot of music videos on YouTube, YouTube Music will recommend similar artists. This can be useful if you want a unified music and video experience, or it can feel like too much overlap if you prefer to keep them separate.
The song catalog is similar to other major services, but availability varies by region and licensing agreements. Some independent artists or older recordings may not be available on YouTube Music but are on other platforms.
Free version versus Premium
YouTube Music has a free tier supported by ads. The free version lets you search, create playlists, and listen to music, but ads play between songs. On mobile, free playback stops when you lock your screen or switch apps — you have to keep the app open and your screen on. On a computer, you can listen in the background.
Premium removes all ads, allows background play on mobile, and adds offline downloads. For most people, the main difference is the ability to lock your phone and keep music playing, plus no interruptions from ads. If you listen to music for a few hours a day, the ad interruptions and screen-lock limitation of the free version become noticeable quickly.
Canceling and pausing your subscription
You can pause your YouTube Music Premium subscription for up to three months without canceling. During a pause, you lose access to Premium features but your account and playlists remain. This is useful if you want to take a break without losing your data. After three months, the pause ends and billing resumes automatically unless you cancel instead.
To cancel, go to your Google account settings, find your YouTube Music subscription, and select cancel. Your access ends at the end of your current billing cycle — you do not lose it immediately. If you cancel mid-cycle, you still have Premium until your next billing date. You can restart a canceled subscription anytime by signing up again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need YouTube Premium to get YouTube Music Premium?
No. You can buy YouTube Music Premium separately. However, if you already have YouTube Premium, you automatically get YouTube Music Premium included, so you do not need to pay twice.
Can I use YouTube Music on multiple devices at the same time?
You can stream on one device at a time with a single account. If you start playing music on a second device, playback stops on the first. A family plan lets multiple people stream simultaneously because each person has their own account.
What happens to my downloaded music if I cancel?
Downloaded songs become unplayable once your subscription ends. They remain on your device as files, but the app will not play them. If you restart your subscription later, they become playable again.
Can I share my YouTube Music account with someone else?
You can share your account login, but that person will see your playlists, recommendations, and history. For separate accounts with shared cost, use a family plan instead — each person gets their own library and recommendations.
Is YouTube Music available in my country?
YouTube Music is available in most countries, but the catalog and pricing vary by region. Some songs or artists may not be available where you live due to licensing agreements. You can check availability by trying to sign up in your country.