As one of the most popular video platforms globally, YouTube already has over 2.7 billion monthly active users. Whether it's learning new things, watching movie recaps, catching up on the latest news, or enjoying music and live streams, more and more people have made YouTube a daily app. However, as the platform grows, many users have started encountering issues that affect their viewing experience. For example, ads are becoming more frequent, with some videos inserting ads before, during, and even after playback; free users cannot continue playing videos with the screen locked or download videos for offline viewing. While these limitations don't prevent normal use, they have led many to consider upgrading to YouTube Premium. The good news is that experiencing YouTube Premium doesn't necessarily mean subscribing at the official price. Besides the official free trial, there are annual plans, student discounts, carrier partnership offers, and increasingly popular account-sharing platforms that can help you enjoy the full benefits of Premium at a lower cost. This article will combine official policies still applicable in 2026 with common discount channels to outline seven ways to get YouTube Premium for free or at a low cost, analyzing the pros and cons of each to help you choose the subscription plan that best fits your budget and usage habits.

How much does YouTube Premium cost?

Before looking for cheaper subscription options, it's worth first understanding the official price of YouTube Premium. That way, when you come across various discounts or promotions, you can more easily judge whether they are truly a good deal. Note that YouTube Premium uses regional pricing, so subscription fees vary by country and region. The prices below are based on official US rates; actual costs should be checked on the YouTube page for your region.

It's important to note that Premium Lite is more of a "basic ad-free viewing" option, with more limited features than full YouTube Premium—it usually does not include background play, offline downloads, or YouTube Music Premium. If you mainly want to reduce video ad interruptions, the Lite plan is a lighter choice; but if you often listen to music, need background playback, or offline viewing, the full Premium plan is more suitable. For occasional YouTube viewing, the official individual plan may suffice; however, for long-term users, sticking with the official price each month can add up. That's why more users are turning to free trials, student discounts, annual plans, or account-sharing platforms like Subplaza to get the same or similar Premium benefits at a lower cost—this is what the article will focus on next.

How to get YouTube Premium for free or at a low cost

The following seven methods cover the most common legitimate options available today, ranging from completely free options to deeply discounted offers. Some methods are available to everyone, while others have regional restrictions or eligibility requirements. Each method clearly states who it's suitable for, so you can quickly find the one that fits your situation. If you want to enjoy YouTube Premium's ad-free viewing, background play, offline downloads, and YouTube Music Premium, you don't necessarily have to subscribe at the official price. YouTube itself, its partners, and some third-party platforms periodically offer trials, discounts, or sharing plans—if you choose wisely, you can get the same core experience at a lower cost.

• YouTube Premium Free Trial

If you're a new subscriber, the official free trial is usually the first thing worth trying. YouTube offers eligible users a period of Premium experience based on region and account status, allowing you to try ad-free playback, background play, and offline downloads without paying. However, the trial typically requires linking a payment method and will auto-renew after it ends, so if you just want to try it out, remember to confirm whether you want to continue before the trial expires.

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• Annual Billing Discount

If you're sure you'll use YouTube Premium long-term, the annual plan is often more cost-effective than monthly subscriptions. While not all regions offer annual billing, in supported markets, paying for a full year upfront usually saves you some money compared to monthly payments. This option works best for those already accustomed to using YouTube daily and who don't want to manage a subscription every month.

• YouTube Premium Official Discount

YouTube also offers more affordable official plans for specific groups, the most common being the student plan. Eligible students can verify their identity and subscribe to Premium at a lower price than the regular individual membership. In some regions, family plans also allow multiple members to share the cost, reducing the per-person expense. This method suits users who meet the official eligibility criteria and prefer subscribing through legitimate channels.

• Third-Party Account Sharing Platforms

If you want to use Premium long-term but keep your monthly expenses even lower, account sharing platforms like Subplaza are worth considering. These platforms typically allow users to join Premium plans at a reduced price by sharing subscription seats, thereby splitting the cost. For users who don't qualify for student discounts and don't want to pay the full official price, this approach is often more flexible and better suited to those on a tight budget but with frequent usage.

• Carrier Plan Promotions

In some countries and regions, mobile carriers or broadband providers include YouTube Premium as a plan perk. Eligible users may get several months of free access or a discounted subscription. Such offers are usually tied to mobile plans, home internet packages, or specific promotions, making them ideal for users who are already planning to switch or upgrade their telecom services.

• Bundled App and Platform Deals

Some Google services, device promotions, or partner platforms also come with free trials or discounts on YouTube Premium. For example, purchasing certain devices, activating specific memberships, or participating in joint platform events may unlock time-limited offers. However, these deals often have strong regional and time restrictions, so they are best suited for users who happen upon such promotions and are willing to claim the extra benefits.

• Official Promotions and Limited-Time Offers

YouTube and Google occasionally launch holiday campaigns, new-user offers, or collaborative promotions. In some regions, short-term discounts, extended trials, or special plans may appear. Since these offers are usually not permanent, if you are not in a rush to subscribe, it's worth checking the official page for the latest deals before making a payment. For users who are willing to wait and hope to catch a low-price window, this method can deliver significant savings. Each approach has its own target audience and limitations. Some are ideal for short-term free trials, others for long-term cost savings, and still others require student status, regional eligibility, or specific partnership conditions. In comparison, the safest approach is usually to first check whether you qualify for an official free trial or student discount. If not, then based on your budget and usage habits, consider annual plans, carrier promotions, or account sharing platforms like Subplaza. Next, we will introduce each of these 7 methods one by one, including how to apply, eligibility criteria, pros and cons, and which users are best suited for each.