Google's entertainment subscription services are evolving rapidly.
The future of Google Play Music was uncertain, but as of May 2018, YouTube Music emerged as the primary service. Google shut down Google Play Music, migrating music streaming to YouTube. Meanwhile, YouTube Red, launched in 2015, rebranded to YouTube Premium in mid-June 2018.
It's easy to get confused—we've been there. This guide clarifies the differences and walks you through switching from YouTube Music to YouTube Premium seamlessly.
YouTube Music, at $9.99 per month, delivers ad-free music streaming, personalized playlists drawn from your YouTube history, offline playback, background listening, and select additional features.
However, it lacks ad-free access across the entire YouTube platform, YouTube Originals, or video downloads.
YouTube Premium fills these gaps. Priced at just $11.99 per month—a $2 difference—it includes everything from YouTube Music plus former YouTube Red perks like ad-free YouTube viewing, downloads, and Originals.
Ready to upgrade? Note that it's currently only possible via the mobile app. Here's how:
Follow these steps in the YouTube app:
After the trial, billing increases by $2 monthly. Ultimately, decide if YouTube Premium's added value justifies it. For more insights: Is YouTube Premium worth it? Explore 7 key considerations, from buzz to real benefits, to make an informed choice. Read more.
