This guide provides the latest information on how to get a YouTube Premium Student Discount, including eligibility, verification, benefits, and comparisons to other streaming services available to students. We’ll also cover common issues students face during verification, alternatives, and additional discounts available globally.
YouTube Premium is a subscription service offered by YouTube that enhances your viewing and listening experience across the platform. Initially launched as Music Key in 2014 (focused on music videos), and later rebranded as YouTube Red in 2015, it finally became YouTube Premium in 2018.
YouTube Premium offers several key benefits:
- Ad-free viewing: You can watch videos on YouTube without any interruptions from ads, including pre-roll ads, banner ads, and mid-roll ads.
- Background playback: You can continue to listen to videos (such as podcasts or music videos) even when you close the app or open another one.
- Offline playback: Download videos and playlists to watch them offline when you’re on the go.
- YouTube Music Premium: This feature gives you access to a separate music app that allows ad-free music streaming and offline playback.
- Exclusive content: Access to YouTube Originals, including exclusive series, documentaries, and films.
For students, YouTube offers a discounted version of this subscription—making it an even more attractive deal for those who are currently enrolled in a higher education institution.
Also Read: How to Become a YouTuber For A Beginner
The YouTube Premium Student Discount: How Does It Work?
The YouTube Premium Student Discount offers nearly 50% off the regular monthly subscription price of YouTube Premium. If you’re a full-time student at an eligible institution, you can enjoy the service at a significant discount, making it a great way to get the most out of YouTube while saving money.
Here are some key details:
- The standard price of YouTube Premium in the United States is $11.99 per month, while the student price is $6.99 per month.
- This discount is available in over 60 countries worldwide, so you’ll likely be able to take advantage of it regardless of where you study.
- The discount lasts for up to four years, as long as you re-verify your student status annually through the SheerID system.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the YouTube Premium Student Discount, you need to meet a few criteria:
- Be a full-time student at an accredited college or university. This applies to both undergraduate and graduate students.
- Your school must be listed on SheerID, which is the third-party service YouTube uses to verify student status. If your school isn’t listed, you won’t be able to get the discount.
- Re-verification is required annually. Even if you qualify once, you’ll need to prove you’re still enrolled in school each year to maintain the discount for up to four years.
How to Get the YouTube Premium Student Discount: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting the YouTube Premium Student Discount is straightforward if you follow these steps:
- Go to the YouTube Premium Student page:
- Visit YouTube.com/premium/student on your computer or mobile device.
- Click “Try it Free”:
- You’ll be offered a one-month free trial to explore the benefits of YouTube Premium before committing to the paid subscription.
- Verify your student status with SheerID:
- This is the most crucial part of the process. You’ll be prompted to enter details about your school and student status. SheerID will cross-check the information with their database.
- If your school is eligible and SheerID verifies your status automatically, you’ll be redirected to YouTube to complete your sign-up process.
- If SheerID cannot automatically verify your status, you may be asked to upload supporting documents, such as a student ID or proof of enrollment. SheerID will manually review the information and notify you within 48 hours (24 hours if you’re in the U.S.).
- Complete the registration:
- After verification, you’ll be able to finish the registration by logging back into your YouTube account and navigating to the “Paid Memberships” section in your profile.
- From here, you’ll choose your payment method and confirm the discounted rate of $6.99 per month (or local equivalent).
Troubleshooting: Common Issues Students Face During Verification
Some users encounter issues during the SheerID verification process. Here are some common problems and how to solve them:
- School not listed: If your school isn’t on SheerID’s list, you won’t be eligible for the student discount. You can contact SheerID support to inquire about adding your school, but there are no guarantees that this will be approved quickly.
- Failed verification: If SheerID cannot verify your student status, double-check that your name and school details match exactly with your school’s records. If you’re asked for additional documentation, make sure to provide clear, readable copies of your student ID, enrollment letter, or class schedule.
- Outdated documents: Ensure that your documents show that you’re currently enrolled as a full-time student. If your documents appear outdated or unclear, SheerID may reject your verification.
Also Read: List of Student Discounts and Deals | The Ultimate Guide
What are the Benefits of the YouTube Premium Student Discount?
The YouTube Premium Student Discount provides significant value for students, including:
- Ad-Free Streaming: Watching without ads saves time and creates a seamless viewing experience.
- YouTube Music Premium: This service alone is comparable to standalone streaming services like Spotify, making YouTube Premium a great all-in-one package for music and video lovers.
- Background Playback: You can listen to music, podcasts, or educational videos while using other apps, multitasking, or even when your phone screen is off.
- Offline Access: Download videos and music to access when you’re offline. This is especially useful for students who want to watch tutorials or listen to lectures while commuting or traveling.
- YouTube Originals: You get access to exclusive content produced by YouTube, which ranges from documentaries to series featuring YouTube stars.
Comparison with Other Streaming Services
As a student, you have several options for discounted subscriptions on entertainment and music streaming platforms. Let’s take a look at how YouTube Premium stacks up against other services:
| Service | Monthly Price (Student) | Ad-Free | Offline Access | Music Included | Exclusive Content |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube Premium | $6.99 | Yes | Yes | Yes (YouTube Music) | Yes (YouTube Originals) |
| Spotify Premium | $4.99 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Apple Music Student Plan | $5.99 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (Apple Originals) |
| Amazon Prime Student | $7.49 | Yes | Yes (Prime Video) | Yes (Amazon Music) | Yes (Prime Video Originals) |
Pros of YouTube Premium for Students:
- Integrated Experience: YouTube Premium bundles ad-free video and music streaming, unlike Spotify which only focuses on music.
- Exclusive Content: YouTube Originals may appeal to those who enjoy content from their favorite creators or influencers.
- Value for Multitaskers: The background playback feature is great for students who like to multitask while consuming content.
Cons:
- Price: While slightly higher than Spotify or Apple Music’s student plan, the extra cost may be justified if you frequently use both YouTube and YouTube Music.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Get YouTube Premium Student Discount if I’m Part-Time?
No, the YouTube Premium Student Discount is only available to full-time students. Part-time students currently do not qualify.
Is the Discount Available in All Countries?
No, the discount is available in over 60 countries, but not everywhere. Countries like the U.S., Canada, UK, India, and Australia are included, but there are regions where the student discount is unavailable.
What Happens When I Graduate?
You can use the student discount for a maximum of four years, even if you graduate before that period ends. Once your four years are up, or if you fail to re-verify your student status, your subscription will revert to the regular YouTube Premium price of $11.99/month (or local equivalent).
Can I Cancel My YouTube Premium Subscription?
Yes, you can cancel your subscription at any time. To do so, follow these steps:
- Open the YouTube app.
- Click your profile picture.
- Navigate to “Paid Memberships.”
- Select your membership and tap “Continue to cancel.”
- Specify the reason and confirm the cancellation.
If you wish to pause your subscription, YouTube allows you to pause it for up to six months without canceling completely.
Can I Resume My YouTube Premium Subscription?
Yes, you can resume your subscription after canceling or pausing it. Follow the same steps listed above to reactivate your membership.
How to Save More with Other Student Discounts
In addition to YouTube Premium, many other companies offer student discounts. Here’s a quick look at other popular streaming services:
- Spotify Premium for Students: At just $4.99 per month, this package includes Hulu and Showtime at no additional cost, making it a fantastic deal for students who enjoy a variety of content.
- Apple Music Student Plan: Priced at $5.99, Apple Music provides access to millions of songs and Apple TV+ at no additional cost.
- Amazon Prime Student: This subscription gives students a 50% discount on Prime Video, Prime Music, free shipping, and more for $7.49 per month.
By combining multiple student discounts across different platforms, you can cover all your streaming needs for a fraction of the regular price.
Final Thoughts: Is the YouTube Premium Student Discount Worth It?
The YouTube Premium Student Discount is an excellent deal for students who are avid users of YouTube and YouTube Music. The combination of ad-free viewing, offline access, and background playback makes it especially useful for multitaskers. While the price is slightly higher than some other services like Spotify or Apple Music, the unique features offered by YouTube Premium, particularly for those who consume both video and music content, may justify the cost.
If you’re primarily looking for a music streaming service, Spotify or Apple Music may be a better deal since they come with added benefits like Hulu or Apple TV+. However, for students who use YouTube extensively, the YouTube Premium Student Discount is a fantastic way to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.
Make sure to take advantage of the free one-month trial to see if YouTube Premium is right for you. And if you’re ready to sign up, follow the steps in this guide to start saving with your student discount today.
References
- YouTube Official Help Page on YouTube Premium: YouTube Support
- SheerID Student Verification: SheerID
- Official Pricing Details for YouTube Premium: YouTube Premium Pricing
