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The fundamental reason why YouTube with ads isn't worth it - even if it's free

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Why This Matters

This article highlights the limitations of ad-supported YouTube, emphasizing how ads disrupt long-form content and diminish the viewing experience. For consumers and the tech industry, it underscores the value of premium subscriptions for uninterrupted entertainment and better functionality, especially for creators and frequent viewers.

Key Takeaways

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

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ZDNET's key takeaways

YouTube Premium removes ads and bundles in YouTube Music

Long-form videos don't work well with ads

Downloading videos can be problematic when you're a phone reviewer

As a tech writer, I use YouTube as a regular part of my job. I also occasionally listen to some music while I work. Put those things together, and it turns out that YouTube Premium is a wonderful choice for me.

YouTube Premium costs $13.99 per month for individuals (or $139.99 annually), $7.99 for students, and $22.99 for families with up to six users. The latter is the plan I subscribe to, and I share it with my wife and two kids.

Also: YouTube Premium cost me 30% extra for months until I noticed - check your plan ASAP

YouTube Premium gives you a number of benefits, like removal of ads, offline viewing -- though there's a glitch in that mechanism I'll discuss later -- and the ability to continue playing music and movies even when your device's screen is off.

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