4 Little-Known Perks of YouTube Premium

If financial or other circumstances forced me to choose a subscription video service to keep (out of the four I currently pay for), I wouldn't have to think very hard to decide on one. I don't actually lose sleep over this question, but if I needed to tighten up my budget, it would be far easier to kiss Hulu, Netflix, and Prime Video goodbye than YouTube Premium, because it is far and away worth every penny for me.

If you've never subscribed to YouTube Premium before (or never really considered it), here's how much of a hit you'll take to your checking account. It costs $11.99 per month for an individual membership (or $119.99 for a whole year at once, which will save you some cash). Or you can opt for a family plan for $22.99 and bring along five family members, for a total of six users on one account. If you're a current student, you can get a student membership for $6.99 per month.

Of course, YouTube Premium's biggest claim to fame is that it lets users watch videos without the interruption of ads. But here's a few additional perks of YouTube Premium that you may be unaware of.

1. Instant podcasts

For me, this is easily one of the best features of YouTube Premium. When using the app on your phone or tablet, you can play it in the background while you use other apps, or even while your phone is locked. This has the effect of turning YouTube videos into instant podcasts, and you can listen while you go about your business. I'm a champion multitasker, and I love listening to videos while I'm cooking, doing chores, or otherwise occupied.

2. Ad-free streaming music

I was a very late adopter of streaming music (and in fact, still own a perfectly functional 2010 model iPod that plugs into my elderly car's center console -- no Bluetooth connections to be found in my vehicle!). I never saw the point of going out of my way to sign up for a service like Spotify, but YouTube Premium also includes ad-free YouTube Music, and I absolutely love it.

In fact, I'm listening to it as I write this, and playlists on YouTube Music form the most frequent soundtrack to my work day. You get your choice of community playlists or you can make your own. And YouTube Music will also get to know your listening preferences and generate custom playlists just for you. I've discovered and rediscovered multiple artists this way -- I'm now a diehard Joni Mitchell fan thanks to YouTube Music.

3. Video downloads

Ever wanted to take your YouTube videos with you when you'll be away from wifi and a cell signal? YouTube Premium allows subscribers to easily download videos for future viewing (within 30 days). This perk could really come in handy if you've got a long flight coming up (or even a vacation where you'll be off the grid). This could keep you from whipping out a credit card to pay for inflight wifi.

4. YouTube Kids

I don't use this perk personally, because I don't have kids, but if you do, it's definitely a reason to check out YouTube Premium (maybe take advantage of a month's free trial and see if it works for your life). I have parent friends who rave about YouTube Kids, noting that the parental controls are easy to use, and you can customize content for your child, including blocking certain channels.

Once you try YouTube without ads, you may never want to go back -- especially if you're a frequent user. Give YouTube Premium a try to enjoy the lack of ads, and also these other less discussed perks.