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How to Gift YouTube Premium: A Comprehensive Guide

by Jenny Xiao on Nov 22, 2024

How to Gift YouTube Premium

If you're looking to gift someone YouTube Premium, you might have noticed that YouTube doesn't offer a direct gifting option. 

But there are still ways to share this fantastic subscription with someone you care about. 

Let’s go through some common questions to guide you through the process of gifting YouTube Premium.

 

How to Gift YouTube Premium?

 

Can I directly gift YouTube Premium to someone?

No, YouTube doesn’t currently offer a direct way to gift a YouTube Premium membership. You can’t simply buy a gift card or subscription and send it to someone else. 

But there are other indirect methods that work just as well to share the benefits of YouTube Premium.

 

What are the best ways to gift YouTube Premium?

    • Google Play Gift Cards
    Google Play Gift Cards

    Google Play gift cards are the most flexible option for gifting YouTube Premium. When the recipient redeems the card, it adds credit to their Google Play balance, which they can use to subscribe to YouTube Premium, YouTube Music Premium, or YouTube TV. The funds can also be used for other Google services.

    • Sharing Your YouTube Premium Family Plan
    Sharing Your YouTube Premium Family Plan

    If you already have a YouTube Premium family plan, you can share it with up to five additional family members. This is a cost-effective way to give the gift of YouTube Premium to multiple people at once, but it requires that you already have a family plan.

     

      Where can I buy Google Play gift cards to gift YouTube Premium?

      Where can I buy Google Play gift cards to gift YouTube Premium?

      Google Play gift cards can be purchased from authorized retailers both online and in physical stores. Some of the most popular stores include:

      • Amazon
      • Walmart
      • Target
      • BestBuy

      You can choose between digital or physical cards, depending on how you want to present the gift. 

      Digital cards are convenient and can be emailed directly to the recipient, while physical cards can be handed over in person or wrapped up for a more traditional gift-giving experience.

       

      What can the recipient do with a Google Play gift card?

      A Google Play gift card offers a lot of versatility. After redeeming the card, the recipient can use the balance for various Google services, including:

      • YouTube Premium (ad-free videos, offline downloads, and more)
      • YouTube Music Premium (ad-free music streaming)
      • YouTube TV (live TV and on-demand content)
      • Movies and TV Shows (purchase or rent)
      • Apps and Games (from the Google Play Store)

      This makes Google Play gift cards a great option for anyone, whether they are primarily interested in YouTube or other Google services.

       

      Can I gift a full year of YouTube Premium?

      While YouTube does not offer a way to directly gift a year-long subscription, you can still effectively gift a full year of YouTube Premium by purchasing a Google Play gift card with an amount that matches the cost of an annual subscription. 

      The recipient can then use the card to pay for YouTube Premium for an entire year, depending on the subscription cost in their region.

       

      Can I gift a family plan of YouTube Premium?

      You cannot directly gift a family plan to someone. However, if you already have a YouTube Premium family plan, you can share it with up to five other family members. 

      You could gift someone a Google Play gift card with enough funds to cover the cost of a family plan subscription, which would allow them to share the benefits with others in their household.

       

      What’s the difference between YouTube Premium and YouTube Music Premium?

      What’s the difference between YouTube Premium and YouTube Music Premium?
      • YouTube Premium:
        This is the full package, offering ad-free videos across the entire YouTube platform, offline video downloads, and background play. It also includes access to YouTube Music Premium and exclusive YouTube Originals (shows and movies made for Premium subscribers).

      • YouTube Music Premium:
        This service is more focused on music. It offers ad-free music streaming, offline listening, and background play. However, it is limited to music content and does not include the full YouTube video experience or access to YouTube Originals.

      If the person you’re gifting to is a music lover, YouTube Music Premium might be a good fit. If they enjoy a broader range of content, YouTube Premium would be a more comprehensive choice.

       

      Can I gift individual YouTube purchases, such as movies or TV shows?

      Currently, YouTube does not offer a way to gift individual movie or TV show purchases directly. 

      However, with a Google Play gift card, the recipient can use the funds to purchase movies, TV shows, or other content on YouTube. 

      While it’s not a direct “gift” of a movie, this is the closest workaround to gifting specific content.

       

      What are the pros and cons of using each gifting method?

      Here’s a quick overview of the options, highlighting their pros and cons:

      Option

      Pros

      Cons

      Google Play Gift Card

      Flexible, can be used for YouTube Premium and other Google services

      Less targeted for YouTube-specific purchases

      YouTube Gift Card

      Dedicated to YouTube services

      Discontinued, no longer available

      Share Your Family Plan

      Great for multiple people, cost-effective

      Requires that you already have a family plan

      The Google Play gift card stands out as the most versatile option, while sharing your family plan is best for those who want to gift multiple people at once.

       

      Is YouTube Premium worth gifting?

      Yes, YouTube Premium is definitely worth gifting, especially for those who spend a lot of time on YouTube. 

      With ad-free videos, offline viewing, background play, and access to YouTube Music Premium, the subscription offers a great value for anyone who loves entertainment without interruptions. 

      It’s a gift that keeps on giving, providing an upgraded streaming experience for video and music lovers alike.

       

      Final Thoughts

      Gifting YouTube Premium may require a bit of creativity, but it’s a fantastic present for anyone who enjoys YouTube and streaming music. 

      Whether you opt for a Google Play gift card, share your family plan, or use another method, you’ll be giving the gift of uninterrupted entertainment. 

      So, the next time you're looking for a thoughtful and practical gift, consider gifting YouTube Premium—and make someone's streaming experience a lot more enjoyable!

       

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