How Much Is YouTube Premium in 2026? Individual, Family, Student and Lite
YouTube Premium prices after the 2026 increase: Individual, annual, Family, Student and Lite plans, what each one includes and the smartest ways to pay less.
On this page
Quick answer: In the US, YouTube Premium costs $15.99 a month for an Individual plan (or $159.99 a year), $26.99 for Family, $8.99 for Student and $8.99 for Premium Lite. These prices took effect with the 2026 increase, the first US price change since 2023. Subscribing in the iPhone app costs more, so sign up on the web for the lowest price.
Below we break down what each plan includes, which one fits you, and how to pay less.
YouTube Premium Prices (November 2026)
| Plan | Price | Before the increase | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual (monthly) | $15.99/month | $13.99 | One person |
| Individual (annual) | $159.99/year | n/a | One person, pay once a year |
| Family | $26.99/month | $22.99 | Up to 6 people in the same household |
| Student | $8.99/month | $7.99 | College students, verification required |
| Premium Lite | $8.99/month | $7.99 | People who only want ad-free videos |
US web prices. YouTube can change prices at any time, so check youtube.com/premium before you subscribe.
What Each Plan Includes
| Feature | Individual, Family, Student | Premium Lite |
|---|---|---|
| Ad-free videos | Yes | Yes (most videos) |
| Background play | Yes | No |
| Downloads for offline viewing | Yes | No |
| YouTube Music Premium | Yes | No |
| Shorts and music videos | Ad-free | May show ads |
Individual
Full YouTube Premium for one Google account: ad-free videos, background play with the screen off or in another app, downloads for offline viewing and YouTube Music Premium. The annual plan works out to about $13.33 a month, so it's the cheapest way to pay if you know you'll keep it all year.
Family
YouTube Premium for up to six accounts, including the family manager. Everyone keeps their own account, recommendations and library. The catch is that every member has to live in the same household as the manager. With three or more people, it's the cheapest plan per person.
Student
Everything in Individual at a lower price for college students. Your student status is verified when you sign up and again every year, and you can keep the discount for up to four years.
Premium Lite
The cheapest way to get rid of ads on most videos. It doesn't include background play, downloads or YouTube Music. If you don't use YouTube for music and only watch with the screen on, it can be enough. Note that Lite and Student now cost the same, so if you're a student, the Student plan gives you far more.
Is YouTube Premium Worth It?
If you watch YouTube daily and also pay for a separate music service, Premium can replace both: YouTube Music Premium is included, and a standalone YouTube Music Premium plan costs $11.99 a month on its own. If you only want ad-free videos, Lite is the better value. If you share a home with family, the Family plan brings the per-person cost well below a single music subscription.
How to Pay Less for YouTube Premium
- Subscribe on the web. Signing up in the YouTube app on iPhone or iPad costs more because of App Store fees. Subscribe at youtube.com/premium and use it on all your devices with the same account.
- Use the free trial. YouTube usually offers new subscribers a free trial. If you don't cancel before it ends, it renews at the regular price.
- Pay annually. The $159.99 annual Individual plan saves about $32 a year compared with paying monthly.
- Share a Family plan. With three or more people in one home, it's much cheaper per person.
- Go Student if you can. Same features as Individual for about half the price.
- In Türkiye? If your YouTube account is based in Türkiye and has never had Premium, a 3-month YouTube Premium code activates on your own account.
How to Cancel YouTube Premium
- Go to youtube.com/paid_memberships.
- Under your Premium membership, select Manage membership.
- Choose Deactivate or Cancel and confirm.
Premium keeps working until the end of the period you've paid for. If you subscribed on an iPhone, cancel through your App Store subscriptions instead.
Frequently asked questions
How much is YouTube Premium per month?
In the US, YouTube Premium costs $15.99 a month for Individual, $26.99 for Family, $8.99 for Student and $8.99 for Premium Lite (November 2026).
Is there a YouTube Premium annual plan?
Yes. The Individual plan is available for $159.99 a year in the US, which works out to about $13.33 a month.
How many people can share YouTube Premium Family?
Up to six accounts, including the family manager. All members must live in the same household as the manager.
What's the difference between YouTube Premium and Premium Lite?
Lite removes ads from most videos only. Background play, downloads and YouTube Music Premium are part of the full Premium plans.
Does YouTube Premium include YouTube Music?
Yes. Individual, Family and Student include YouTube Music Premium. Premium Lite doesn't.
Why did YouTube Premium go up in price?
YouTube raised Premium prices in the US and several other countries in 2026, the first US increase since 2023. New subscribers pay the new price right away, and existing members see it from their next billing cycle.