Is YouTube Music still worth it after the price increase?
YouTube Music quietly raised its prices, and I had to find out through a low-key email. There was no big announcement, no slick press release, just a notification almost buried in my inbox. For a service I’ve grown to enjoy, this sudden price hike and lack of fanfare left me wondering: is YouTube Music still worth it?
The Quiet Price Hike
The company didn’t provide much of an explanation, except to say that they were increasing their prices “to continue delivering great service and features.” The price hike wasn’t dramatic, either. Nevertheless, the move felt sneaky and underhanded—almost like they were trying to keep it under the radar.
For individual plans, what used to cost around $9.99 per month now hovers closer to $12.99, while family plans saw an even steeper jump. These changes aren’t exclusive to one region either, with users across the globe seeing similar increases.
But, since they didn’t give an official announcement, it’s hard to say which other countries are affected or if there are more price increases to come.
What YouTube Music Still Gets Right
As annoying as the price change is, YouTube Music still does many things well.
Its music discovery feature is pretty spot on. And for someone like me, who loves looking for new music, that’s a huge win. Plus, the YouTube Premium bundle gives you ad-free viewing and listening across both platforms.
Here are a few other features that make YouTube Music worth it:
- Vast Music Library: This platform is a treasure trove if you enjoy niche music—be it rare live recordings, DJ mixes, or obscure anime soundtracks that are hard to find elsewhere. It pulls from YouTube’s vast database, which means you can find tracks that don’t even exist on Spotify or Apple Music.
- Music Video Integration: A standout feature is how seamlessly YouTube Music integrates music videos. With just a tap, I can switch between an audio track and its music video, which adds another layer of depth to my listening experience.
- Personalized Recommendations: The app seems to understand my preferences better than other services I’ve tried. It digs into the nuances of what I like, suggesting tracks that feel more curated than the generic playlists I sometimes get from Spotify.
- Background Play: I can keep listening to music or videos even when I minimize the app or switch to something else. For multitaskers, this is a huge bonus.
The Challenges of Justifying the Price
As much as I enjoy YouTube Music’s features, the price hike is difficult to justify compared to what other services offer. At its new cost, YouTube Music is priced similarly to or higher than Spotify and Apple Music, but those platforms offer additional perks YouTube Music doesn’t.
Another challenge is the user experience. One of my biggest frustrations is how YouTube Music mixes with my regular YouTube account. When I subscribe to an artist on YouTube Music, they show up in my main YouTube subscriptions, cluttering my feed. Songs I like on YouTube Music also appear in my regular YouTube activity, which makes the experience less seamless.
Lastly, the lack of high-quality audio is a downside for audiophiles. Other streaming platforms already offer lossless streaming at no additional cost. Spotify is also expected to launch HiFi soon. In contrast, YouTube Music’s audio is aimed at casual listeners, which may disappoint those prioritizing sound quality.
Should You Stick With YouTube Music?
So, is YouTube Music worth the extra payout? Well, that depends on how much you live in YouTube’s world.
Personally, I use YouTube regularly, whether it’s for catching up on the news or for playing ambient videos. Plus, I often resort to YouTube Music when looking for hard-to-find music, so the Premium package still holds its charm for me. However, if your heart belongs to music alone, it’s hard not to notice what the competition is offering.
Another bonus is how YouTube Music fits into the broader YouTube ecosystem. If you’re already subscribed to YouTube Premium, you get YouTube Music bundled in, making it more cost-effective.
YouTube Music also excels at long-form listening sessions, something that’s hard to find on other platforms. Whether it’s 12-hour mixes or ambient tracks for work or relaxation, YouTube Music’s extra-long playlists are perfect for those who want music to play continuously without constant interaction.
Other Options
For those on a tighter budget, there are other ways to avoid paying. Ad-blockers can save you from YouTube ads, or you could go rogue with YouTube Vanced to mimic the Premium perks without spending a dime.
But let’s be real—those come with risks and security flaws that could land you on YouTube’s bad side.
YouTube Music also has an ad-powered free tier. This may be enough for some users, especially if you can tolerate the interruptions and don’t mind losing background play or offline downloads.
Ultimately, this price hike could be the breaking point for some. If you’re just here for music and don’t care much about YouTube’s video perks, maybe it’s time to look elsewhere. Plenty of alternatives do the same thing without the sting of a higher bill.
As for me? Despite the higher price, I’ll be sticking with it—for now, at least.