YouTube Premium has become more expensive: how to save money and is it worth overpaying in 2026?

Why does this matter? YouTube has long since evolved beyond a mere entertainment platform. For many, it serves as the primary source of music, educational content, podcasts, and even an alternative to traditional television. However, as prices rise and competing services like Spotify or Netflix also become more expensive, the question arises: is it worth paying more, and how can you optimize your subscription costs?

Let’s explore this in detail.

Why Have YouTube Premium Prices Increased?

The official reason is investment in new features and support for content creators. However, other factors also influence the subscription cost:

1. Platform Fees
   If you subscribe through the iPhone or Android app, Apple and Google automatically take a 30% commission. This means creators receive far less than the full €15.99. Additionally, if you support channels through memberships, the commission can reach 60%, as YouTube also takes its share.

   This is why many content creators recommend using alternative platforms like Patreon, where fees are lower.

2. Market Competition
   Spotify, Apple Music, and even TikTok offer ad-free versions or exclusive content. YouTube must continually improve to remain competitive and attractive to users.

3. Economic Factors
   In Europe, prices for digital services are rising faster than in the U.S. due to inflation and fluctuations in the euro exchange rate.

Is YouTube Premium Worth It?

€15.99 per month is a significant expense, especially if you’re already paying for other services. However, Premium offers several advantages:

✅ Ad-Free Experience – Saves time and reduces frustration.
✅ Background Playback – Music and podcasts continue playing even when your screen is locked.
✅ YouTube Music – A full-featured music service with track downloads.
✅ Exclusive Content – Some videos are available only to subscribers.

But does this justify the cost? It depends on your usage:

• If you spend more than two hours a day on YouTube, an ad-free experience could save you 10–15 minutes daily (nearly an hour per week).
• If you frequently listen to music or podcasts, YouTube Music with background playback could be a strong alternative to Spotify.
• If you only watch a few videos a day, the free ad-supported version may be the more practical choice.

How to Save on YouTube Premium and Other Subscriptions?

If you still want to use Premium but aren’t ready to pay the full price, here are a few ways to reduce costs:

Optimising Payments and Shared Subscriptions

The first step is to subscribe directly through the YouTube website rather than the app. This way, you’ll avoid Apple and Google’s commission fees and save €2–3 per month.

Another effective option is the family plan. For €23.99 per month, you can add up to five people to your subscription, bringing the cost down to just €4.80 per person—almost three times cheaper than the individual plan. The key is to share your subscription only with trusted individuals; otherwise, your account could be blocked.

If you don’t have the option to team up with friends or family, consider services like SharyDuck. They allow you to legally share subscriptions to YouTube Premium, Netflix, Spotify, and other platforms, cutting your monthly payments by up to 70%. It’s a convenient and secure way to pay less for the services you love.

Alternatives and Promotions

If you don’t need all Premium features, consider YouTube Music as a standalone service. It costs €10.99 per month and includes offline mode but doesn’t remove ads on the main YouTube platform.

Also, keep an eye out for promotions. YouTube occasionally offers free trial periods (1–3 months) or student discounts. You can find promo codes on websites like RetailMeNot or Honey.

The Verdict: Pay or Look for Alternatives?

If you:
✔ Spend a lot of time on YouTube (more than two hours a day).
✔ Listen to music or podcasts and want background playback.
✔ Are willing to pay for convenience (no ads, offline mode).

Then YouTube Premium is worth the cost. However, if you only watch videos occasionally, the free version may be the smarter choice.

What’s your take on the YouTube Premium price increase? Do you plan to keep using the service, or will you switch to alternatives? Share your thoughts in the comments!

P.S. Want to save on subscriptions? Try SharyDuck—a simple way to split costs with friends and family and pay less for your favourite services.