YouTube Music offers a student subscription at €5.49 per month, providing a 50% discount on the standard plan. This package includes features like background playback, a vast library of over 100 million songs, and curated playlists. Students must verify their status annually through SheerID. While it excels in music videos and live performances, alternatives like Spotify and Tidal may better suit those prioritizing audio quality or podcasts. YouTube Premium Student is also available for those seeking ad-free video content.
As students often experience tight budgets, managing expenses becomes crucial, especially at the end of the month. This financial awareness has prompted music streaming services to provide tailored options, including a special student plan offered by YouTube Music. In this guide, we’ll explore the features included in the student package and the criteria you need to meet to take advantage of it.
Exploring the Features of YouTube Music Student
YouTube Music Student is a premium subscription designed specifically for students. While all premium plans share similar core functionalities, the student package maintains a strong value proposition. Users can enjoy YouTube Music via its mobile app or web player, though it’s worth noting that a dedicated desktop application is not available.
By subscribing to the student plan, you can anticipate the following features:
Many of these features are familiar if you’ve used other music services, but YouTube Music stands out with its background playback ability, even for music videos. This function allows you to switch to an audio-only mode, conserving your mobile data when you’re on the move. Given that YouTube is primarily a video platform, the inclusion of music videos and live performances feels like a natural fit.
One handy feature is the random mix for downloaded tracks. You can initiate a randomized playlist from your downloaded music, ensuring a fresh listening experience every time while still enjoying your favorite tracks.
Additionally, subscribers gain access to a vast library of over 100 million songs and podcasts. While the podcast selection may not rival other services, it still offers a good variety. You’ll also find numerous expertly curated playlists crafted by YouTube’s team, which are generally well-received.
Eligibility Criteria for the YouTube Music Student Subscription
To qualify for the YouTube Music Student subscription, you must be a current student. However, Google has not specified whether this includes master’s students. Furthermore, your educational institution needs to be registered with a third-party verification service called SheerID.
Verifying Your Student Status
You’ll confirm your student status through SheerID. To start the process, navigate to the YouTube Music Student page and select ‘Become a Premium Member’ or ‘Try 1 Month for €0.’ You will be redirected to SheerID, where you’ll be guided through the verification steps, including the upload of an official document from your school, typically a certificate of enrollment or a study certificate.
Remember, you have to reconfirm your student status every 12 months to maintain your eligibility for the student discount. If you finish your studies, your subscription will automatically transition to a regular YouTube Music Premium plan at the time of your next verification, unless you choose to cancel.
Cost of the YouTube Music Student Subscription
The monthly fee for the YouTube Music Student subscription is €5.49, which represents a 50% discount compared to the standard individual premium plan priced at €10.99. Additionally, new customers can currently enjoy a one-month trial for free (as of December 2024).
Comparing YouTube Music Student with Competitors
While YouTube Music offers an impressive array of features, there are competitive alternatives worth considering. For instance, Spotify, as the market leader, boasts a superior podcast selection. Moreover, the audio bitrate for YouTube Music Student is 256 kbit/s, which some may find lacking compared to other services.
Ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you value music videos and live performances, YouTube Music Student could be an excellent fit. However, if high audio quality or a robust podcast library is your priority, services like Apple Music or Deezer might serve you better. For those who prioritize Hi-Res audio without a focus on podcasts, Tidal Student is a highly recommended option.
Is YouTube Music Student Worth It?
Determining the value of the student subscription hinges on your personal preferences, including audio quality and the overall package. The extensive selection of curated playlists offers a great way to discover new music. While the pricing is certainly appealing, other platforms also provide similar rates, such as Tidal at €5.49.
If you seek more than just music streaming, consider YouTube’s other offering: YouTube Premium Student, priced at €7.49 per month. This package not only provides access to music but also allows you to enjoy ad-free viewing of all available videos on YouTube. In our view, this combined offering could be more beneficial and worthwhile for many users.