Despite YouTube Premium’s promise of an ad-free experience, some premium users expressed their disappointment on social media after seeing ads in videos.
Users report ads despite premium subscription
A number of Reddit users reported their experiences, including a member who used the mobile app and uploaded a screenshot of a Google Workspace ad. Ads for YouTube Playables, which shouldn’t appear on a Premium account, were spotted by another user. Many subscribers are confused by this as YouTube guarantees Premium members an ad-free experience on all platforms and devices.
YouTube’s response
YouTube has acknowledged the issue and is currently investigating. A spokesperson from the company told Android Authority, “YouTube Premium subscribers should not be shown ads in their home feed, and we’re looking into why this may have happened.” The company has also advised affected users to contact their support team for assistance.
YouTube’s support page states that Premium members should not see ads before, during or after videos. However, users might still encounter branding or promotional links embedded by content creators, though these are different from the ads being reported.
Recent changes and ongoing investigation
This problem surfaced soon after YouTube unveiled its “Lite Premium” plan, which allows limited ads in certain regions and made the sleep timer feature accessible to all users by removing it from behind its Premium paywall. However, many have been caught off guard by the abrupt emergence of ads for full Premium subscribers.
As they wait for more information on this surprising development, YouTube Premium members are currently hopeful that the company will address the problem as soon as possible.
