Gifting YouTube Premium would seem like a hard thing to do, but there are some new ways you can do this. You can still treat someone to ad-free videos, offline access, and exclusive YouTube content, while there is no direct gift option, you have alternatives such as Google Play gift cards or family plans.
Google Play Gift Cards: The Key to Gifting YouTube Premium
The easiest way to give YouTube Premium as a gift is via a Google Play gift card. Previously, however, YouTube did offer prepaid memberships, but they are no longer available. However, the most flexible solution is to now use a Google Play gift card. With this card, the recipient’s Google Play balance is funded, to be used for YouTube Premium, or other Google services.
If you live in a place where you can buy a Google Play gift card, visit authorized retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, or Best Buy in-store, in their apps, or online. You can choose between physical cards or digital codes, depending on how you would like the recipient to receive their gift. The balance will be applied to a YouTube Premium subscription, YouTube Music, or even buying movies on YouTube after the recipient redeems the card.
Why Google Play Gift Cards Work Best
By relying on a balance in a gift card from Google Play, you are also allowing your recipient to choose alternatives to YouTube Premium. Across Google services, they can finally use it to subscribe to YouTube Music, buy movies, and access all sorts of digital content. If you are not sure what to gift someone you will give it a great choice.
Family Plans: Share YouTube Premium
If you are a YouTube Premium member already, you can activate the YouTube Premium family plan and share that experience. With the family plan, you can bring up to five family members onto your subscription and will have them take advantage of ad-free viewing, offline downloads, and YouTube Music access on their own devices. This is not technically a gift option but it is a great way to allow the recipients to receive the benefits without picking up more plans at a cost-effective price.
Important Considerations for Choosing the Right Option
| Option | Pros | Cons |
| Google Play Gift Card | Can be used across Google services | Not exclusive to YouTube Premium |
| YouTube Gift Card* | Previously available but more specific to YouTube services | Not as versatile; limited to YouTube-related purchases |
| Share Your Family Plan | Cost-effective; includes multiple family members | Requires existing YouTube Premium family plan subscription |
*Note: YouTube-specific gift cards were previously available but are no longer offered.
Benefits of YouTube Premium: Why It’s a Great Gift
If you are someone who prefers to stream YouTube without interruptions from the accompanying ads or want the ability to download videos for offline viewing, then YouTube Premium is a great choice for a subscription. Here are some of the top benefits:
- Ad-Free Viewing: No more interruptions to completely enjoy your stream.
- Offline Access: Download videos when you are not on the go/no Wi-Fi.
- Background Play: You can continue to play videos or music if you switch apps.
- YouTube Music Premium: Ad-free and downloadable and full access to the YouTube Music library.
Gifting a YouTube Premium membership lets you just gift someone an upgraded YouTube experience where you can watch videos and hear music without the ads.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gifting YouTube Premium
Can I Gift a YouTube Premium Membership Directly?
For now, YouTube does not have a direct gift membership option, but you can buy a Google Play gift card for the recipient to use to get a YouTube Premium subscription.
Is an Annual YouTube Premium Gift Option Available?
YouTube does not let you give a year-long gift membership, but you can buy a Google Play card for the equivalent annual amount through which the recipient can use it for a full year.
Can I Use Google Play Gift Cards for YouTube Premium?
Yes, because Google’s services, including the YouTube Premium subscriptions, are part of Google Play gift cards.
Are YouTube Purchases Transferable as Gifts?
If you purchase movies on YouTube, YouTube does not currently have direct gifting options, however, you can gift it simply with a gift card that you sacrifice to use as payment.
Can You Gift a Family Plan for YouTube Premium?
You cannot directly gift a family plan, but you can give a gift card to a family plan subscriber to pay for (or add family members to) the family plan.
Protecting Yourself from Gift Card Scams
With digital gift card codes, these gift card scams are on the increase. Here are some tips to help protect yourself:
- Do not ever spend Google Play gift cards to pay for anything other than in Google Play. These gift cards can be only used for Google Play purchases.
- Never tell anyone your gift card code. They often pretend they are an agency or they say you owe them money and if they ask for payment via gift cards, then it is a scam.
- Report suspicious activity. If you think you have become a victim of a gift card scam, report it to your local authorities and reach out to Google for help.
Simply put, though not available out of the box, Google Play gift cards and family plans are wonderful ways to share YouTube Premium’s goodness with other people. When it comes to either offering a thoughtful holiday gift or giving away a portion of your family plan, YouTube Premium access is a sure-fire way to up someone’s streaming experience, and is great and any content lover looking for ad-free video and music access.
