Students increasingly rely on streaming platforms for entertainment, learning, and relaxation. Among these, YouTube stands out as a versatile platform that offers everything from educational content and music to entertainment and live streams. To cater specifically to students’ needs and financial limitations, Google offers a discounted plan called YouTube Premium Student. This article explores the ins and outs of this plan — what it includes, who qualifies, how to sign up, and whether it’s worth the investment.
What Is YouTube Premium?
Before diving into the student-specific version, it’s essential to understand what YouTube Premium is. Originally launched as YouTube Red in 2015 and rebranded in 2018, YouTube Premium is a paid membership that enhances the regular YouTube experience. Key features include:
- Ad-free videos: Watch videos across all of YouTube without advertisements.
- Background play: Continue listening to videos while using other apps or when the screen is off.
- Offline playback: Download videos to watch offline on mobile devices.
- YouTube Music Premium: Access to ad-free music streaming, background play, and offline downloads through the YouTube Music app.
- Access to YouTube Originals: Exclusive shows and movies produced by YouTube (though this is no longer a major focus).
What Is the YouTube Premium Student Plan?
The YouTube Premium Student Plan offers the same features as the standard YouTube Premium subscription but at a significantly reduced monthly rate. This initiative aims to make premium content more accessible to university and college students.
Pricing
- Standard YouTube Premium: Approximately $13.99/month (varies by country).
- Student Plan: Around $6.99/month (50% discount).
This pricing makes it one of the most cost-effective streaming plans for students, especially considering it includes both video and music streaming.
Features Included in the Student Plan
YouTube Premium Student comes with all the perks of the standard subscription:
1. No Ads Across YouTube
Say goodbye to pre-roll ads, mid-roll interruptions, and pop-ups. Whether you’re watching a tutorial, music video, or vlog, you can enjoy uninterrupted content.
2. Background Play
This is a major advantage for multitaskers. You can listen to lectures, music videos, or podcasts while browsing social media or taking notes.
3. Offline Downloads
Students often travel or live in areas with unstable internet. Offline playback allows you to save videos and watch them later, without buffering or data concerns.
4. YouTube Music Premium
This standalone music app rivals Spotify and Apple Music. You get:
- Ad-free listening
- Smart downloads
- Playlists and recommendations
- Offline playback
- Background music streaming
5. YouTube Originals Access
While YouTube has scaled back production on Originals, some popular shows and series are still available to Premium members.
Eligibility Requirements
To prevent misuse, YouTube requires verification of student status through a third-party service called SheerID.
Criteria:
- Enrollment: Must be currently enrolled at an accredited college or university.
- Verification: You’ll need to provide proof such as student ID, transcript, or school email.
- Age: Must be at least 18 years old in most regions.
Renewal Policy:
The student discount is valid for up to four years, and users must re-verify their eligibility each year. If you fail to re-verify, your plan will revert to the standard price.
How to Sign Up for YouTube Premium Student
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Visit the YouTube Premium Student Sign-Up Page
Navigate to: https://www.youtube.com/premium/student - Start the Verification Process
You’ll be redirected to SheerID to confirm your student status. - Submit Documentation
Upload a document showing your name, university, and current enrollment. - Create or Link a Google Account
If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to create a Google account. - Add Payment Method
Enter your payment information to start the subscription. - Enjoy Premium Access
Once verified, you’ll have immediate access to YouTube Premium Student benefits.
Availability by Country
As of mid-2025, the YouTube Premium Student plan is available in numerous countries including:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- Germany
- India
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Japan
- South Korea
Check the YouTube Help Center for an up-to-date list, as availability may vary.
Comparing YouTube Premium Student to Other Student Plans
Many streaming platforms offer student plans, and YouTube Premium holds its own in this competitive space.
| Service | Student Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube Premium | ~$6.99 | Ad-free YouTube, YouTube Music, downloads |
| Spotify Student | ~$4.99 | Spotify Premium + Hulu + SHOWTIME (US only) |
| Apple Music Student | ~$5.99 | Ad-free music + Apple TV+ access |
| Amazon Prime Student | ~$7.49/month | Video, music, books, shipping |
YouTube Premium excels in video content and YouTube Music access, but if you’re seeking bundled services (like Hulu or Prime benefits), other plans might offer more value depending on your preferences.
Benefits for Students
Academic Value
- Learning Without Interruptions: With thousands of lectures, tutorials, and educational videos on YouTube, the ad-free experience is invaluable.
- Content Curation: YouTube’s algorithm adapts over time, suggesting highly relevant material for both leisure and academic development.
- Playlist Creation: Organize lectures, study music, and productivity videos into customized playlists.
Lifestyle Convenience
- Multitasking: Background play allows you to stay productive even while using other apps.
- On-the-Go Learning: Offline downloads make commuting time more productive.
- Stress Relief: Watch comedy, music, or motivational content without commercial interruptions.
Drawbacks to Consider
Despite its strengths, the YouTube Premium Student plan isn’t perfect.
Limited Music Catalog Depth
While YouTube Music has improved, it still trails behind Spotify and Apple Music in curated playlists, music discovery, and social features.
Regional Restrictions
Some videos and music content may not be available in certain countries due to licensing laws.
Annual Verification
The yearly verification process can be tedious, especially if your university’s system isn’t immediately recognized by SheerID.
Is It Worth It?
If you’re a student who:
- Watches YouTube daily,
- Listens to music regularly,
- Studies with video tutorials or lectures,
- Values an ad-free, seamless experience…
…then yes, YouTube Premium Student is absolutely worth it. The discounted price provides excellent value for a bundle that covers both music and video streaming needs.
However, if your focus is solely on music, or if bundled offers like Spotify Student + Hulu appeal to you more, you might want to compare plans based on your media consumption habits.
Tips to Maximize Your YouTube Premium Student Plan
- Download Smartly: Use Wi-Fi to download high-resolution videos before class or travel.
- Use YouTube Music Playlists: Explore curated playlists for studying, relaxing, or exercising.
- Switch Devices Easily: Use your Google account to access Premium benefits across phone, tablet, and laptop.
- Explore YouTube Shorts and Originals: Dive into unique content that regular users might overlook.
- Monitor Your Verification Date: Set a calendar reminder to re-verify annually and avoid getting bumped to full pricing.
The YouTube Premium Student Plan offers one of the best values in digital subscriptions for students today. Combining the vast video resources of YouTube with a competent music streaming platform, it enables students to learn, relax, and explore without interruption — all at half the cost of the regular plan. Whether for academic enhancement or personal entertainment, this plan is a smart and budget-friendly option for students worldwide.
