YouTube Premium costs $13.99/month in 2026 – making it one of the most expensive streaming subscriptions. If you're tired of constant ads, want background play, or need offline downloads, this guide covers every method to access these features without paying full price.
What is YouTube Premium?
YouTube Premium is Google's paid subscription tier that transforms the YouTube experience. With over 2.5 billion monthly users, YouTube is the world's largest video platform, but the free experience comes with significant limitations.
Premium Features Include:
- Ad-free viewing – No pre-roll, mid-roll, or banner ads
- Background play – Audio continues when you switch apps or lock screen
- Offline downloads – Save videos to watch without internet
- YouTube Music Premium – Full music streaming service included
- Picture-in-Picture – Watch in a floating window
Method 1: YouTube Premium Mod APK (Most Popular)
The most popular solution for Android users is the YouTube Premium Mod APK. These modified versions of the official app unlock premium features without subscription.
What the Mod APK Provides:
- ✅ Complete ad removal (all types)
- ✅ Background play enabled
- ✅ Picture-in-Picture mode
- ✅ SponsorBlock integration (skips sponsored segments)
- ✅ Return YouTube Dislike (shows dislike counts)
- ❌ Offline downloads (requires Premium subscription)
Download YouTube Premium Mod APK
Ad-free YouTube with background play. Updated January 2026.
⬇️ Download NowMethod 2: YouTube Vanced Alternatives (2026)
After YouTube Vanced was discontinued in 2022, several successor projects emerged. The most popular alternatives in 2026 include:
ReVanced
An open-source project that patches the official YouTube app with premium features. Requires manual setup but offers the most customization.
NewPipe
A lightweight, open-source YouTube client with no ads and background play. Doesn't require Google account but lacks some features like comments.
LibreTube
Privacy-focused YouTube frontend that routes through Piped instances. Ad-free with subscription management.
Method 3: Official Free Trial
YouTube offers a 1-month free trial for new Premium subscribers. You can also find extended trials through:
- Device promotions: Samsung, Google Pixel, and other devices often include 2-3 months free
- Carrier deals: Some mobile carriers bundle YouTube Premium
- Family invite: If someone adds you to a Family plan during their trial
Method 4: Student Discount (50% Off)
Students at accredited institutions get YouTube Premium for $7.99/month (almost half price). This also includes YouTube Music Premium. Verification is done through SheerID.
Method 5: Family Plan Sharing
The YouTube Premium Family plan costs $22.99/month for up to 6 members. Split with family or friends:
- 6 people = ~$3.83/month each
- 3 people = ~$7.66/month each
- All members get their own account
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Free | Mod APK | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Ads | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Background Play | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Offline Downloads | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| YouTube Music | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| SponsorBlock | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Works on iOS | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is YouTube Mod APK safe?
When downloaded from trusted sources, yes. We scan all APKs for malware before publishing. Avoid random download sites.
Will my account get banned?
In our experience, account bans are extremely rare. Google focuses on subscription growth rather than punishing users. We recommend using a secondary account if concerned.
Why can't I download videos for offline?
Offline downloads require server-side authentication. The mod can unlock client-side features but cannot bypass Google's download servers.
Does it work on iPhone?
APK files are Android-only. iOS users can try the Safari browser with ad blockers, or use the official free trial and student discounts.
💡 Our Recommendation
For Android users: Use the YouTube Mod APK for ad-free viewing and background play. For iOS users or those who need offline downloads: Consider the student discount or family plan sharing.