Accessing a wealth of movies on YouTube Red, now known as YouTube Premium, requires a subscription that unlocks ad-free viewing and exclusive content. This guide will detail how to subscribe to YouTube Premium, find movies available within the platform, and address common questions about accessing this cinematic treasure trove.
Understanding YouTube Premium and Movie Access
The initial promise of YouTube Red was a platform where users could watch ad-free videos, access YouTube Music, and enjoy YouTube Originals, including movies. When it rebranded to YouTube Premium, this core functionality remained, offering a compelling reason to subscribe for avid YouTube viewers and movie enthusiasts. The availability of movies, however, is contingent on YouTube’s licensing agreements and content deals. While YouTube Premium doesn’t grant universal access to all movies, it does provide access to YouTube Originals films, some independently produced movies, and ad-free viewing of any movie available on the standard YouTube platform (that may require separate purchase or rental).
Finding Available Movies
Locating the films available within your YouTube Premium subscription requires a bit of navigation. Start by exploring the YouTube Originals section. These films are specifically created and distributed by YouTube and are included in your subscription.
- Searching: Use the search bar within YouTube to look for specific movies. If the film is available for free to YouTube Premium subscribers (either as a YouTube Original or as part of a temporary promotion), you will see it without ads. If it’s a rental or purchase option, that will be clearly indicated.
- Browsing Playlists: Explore curated playlists of movies and documentaries on channels like YouTube Movies & TV. These channels often highlight films that are available on the platform, some of which may be ad-free with YouTube Premium.
- Keep an Eye on Promotions: YouTube occasionally runs promotions where certain movies are available for free viewing to YouTube Premium subscribers for a limited time. Stay informed about these deals through YouTube’s announcements and social media channels.
Getting Started with YouTube Premium
To start watching movies ad-free and accessing YouTube Originals, you first need to subscribe to YouTube Premium. The process is straightforward:
- Go to the YouTube Website: Visit youtube.com in your web browser.
- Sign In: Make sure you’re signed in to your Google account.
- Click on Your Profile Picture: In the top right corner, click on your profile picture.
- Select “YouTube Premium”: In the dropdown menu, click on the “YouTube Premium” option.
- Choose Your Plan: You will be presented with different subscription options (individual, family, student). Select the plan that best suits your needs.
- Enter Payment Information: Provide your payment details and complete the subscription process.
Once subscribed, you can enjoy ad-free viewing, access YouTube Originals, and download videos for offline viewing. This applies to movies and all other content on the YouTube platform.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with a YouTube Premium subscription, you might encounter occasional issues. Here are some common problems and potential solutions:
- Movie Not Available: The movie you’re looking for may not be part of YouTube’s free offerings. Check if it’s available for rental or purchase on YouTube.
- Adverts Still Showing: Ensure you’re signed into the Google account associated with your YouTube Premium subscription. Restarting your device or clearing your browser’s cache may also resolve this issue.
- Geographic Restrictions: Some content may not be available in your region due to licensing agreements. A VPN might circumvent this, but it’s important to understand the potential legal and ethical implications.
- Playback Issues: Ensure your internet connection is stable. Try lowering the video quality to see if that resolves the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 12 FAQs to further clarify how to watch movies on YouTube Premium and address related concerns:
FAQ 1: What exactly is YouTube Premium, and how does it differ from regular YouTube?
YouTube Premium is a paid subscription service offering ad-free access to all YouTube videos, including movies. It also includes YouTube Originals, background playback on mobile devices, and the ability to download videos for offline viewing. Regular YouTube is free but contains advertisements.
FAQ 2: Does YouTube Premium give me access to every movie on YouTube?
No. YouTube Premium provides ad-free viewing for all YouTube videos, including movies uploaded to the platform. However, it doesn’t unlock free access to every single movie uploaded. Many movies are available for rental or purchase, regardless of your Premium subscription. The movies available at no extra cost are typically YouTube Originals or those that have agreements with the platform.
FAQ 3: How can I tell if a movie is included with my YouTube Premium subscription?
When searching for a movie, if it’s included in your subscription, you will see it without any indications of rental or purchase options. You simply press play and watch, ad-free. If a price is listed (e.g., “Rent $3.99” or “Buy $12.99”), it requires separate payment.
FAQ 4: Are YouTube Originals the only movies available with YouTube Premium?
While YouTube Originals are a key benefit, other movies may occasionally be available to Premium subscribers at no extra cost, often as part of limited-time promotions or due to licensing agreements with independent film studios. Keep an eye on the YouTube Movies & TV channel for curated selections.
FAQ 5: Can I watch YouTube Premium movies offline?
Yes! One of the major benefits of YouTube Premium is the ability to download videos, including movies, for offline viewing. This is particularly useful for travel or situations where you have limited internet access.
FAQ 6: How do I download a movie to watch offline?
When viewing a video or movie with YouTube Premium on the YouTube app, you’ll see a download icon beneath the video. Tap the icon, select your desired video quality, and the video will download to your device.
FAQ 7: Can I share my YouTube Premium subscription with family members?
Yes! YouTube Premium offers a Family Plan that allows you to share your subscription with up to five family members who live in the same household. This is a cost-effective way to provide ad-free YouTube access to your entire family.
FAQ 8: I’m a student. Is there a discount for YouTube Premium?
Yes, YouTube offers a student discount for YouTube Premium. To qualify, you must be enrolled as a student at an accredited college or university and verified through a third-party verification service.
FAQ 9: Why are there still ads on some videos even though I have YouTube Premium?
This is rare, but it can happen. Most commonly, it’s due to promotional segments embedded within the video itself by the creator, which YouTube Premium cannot remove. Double check that your account is active, and refresh your device or app.
FAQ 10: Can I cancel my YouTube Premium subscription at any time?
Yes. You can cancel your YouTube Premium subscription at any time through your Google account settings. Your access to Premium benefits will continue until the end of your current billing cycle.
FAQ 11: What happens to downloaded movies if I cancel my YouTube Premium subscription?
Once your YouTube Premium subscription is cancelled, the downloaded movies will no longer be accessible offline. You’ll need an active subscription to view downloaded content.
FAQ 12: Is YouTube Premium worth it just for watching movies?
Whether YouTube Premium is “worth it” depends on your viewing habits. If you watch a significant amount of YouTube content daily, the ad-free experience, background playback, and YouTube Originals (including movies) can provide considerable value. However, if you only watch a few videos occasionally, and the movie selection isn’t appealing, the cost might not be justified. Consider taking advantage of a free trial to evaluate if the benefits align with your needs.