How to Sign Up for YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium on a Computer

Introduction

In today’s digital landscape, streaming is king. For a Sunderland AFC supporter, this means having instant, uninterrupted access to match highlights, classic reviews of the 1973 FA Cup Final, fan channels, and curated playlists—whether that’s chants from the Stadium of Light or music for the journey to away matches. Ad-free viewing and background play are not just conveniences; they enhance how you consume your SAFC content.

This practical guide will walk you through the complete process of signing up for either a YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium membership using your computer. By the end, you'll have a seamless, ad-free streaming experience, letting you focus on what matters: the action, the history, and the community of the Black Cats.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before You Start

To ensure a smooth sign-up process, have the following ready:

1. A Desktop or Laptop Computer: This guide is tailored for a web browser experience on Windows, macOS, or ChromeOS.


2. A Stable Internet Connection: Essential for loading pages and completing transactions without errors.


3. A Google Account: This is the cornerstone of all YouTube services. If you use Gmail, you already have one. If not, you’ll need to create one.


4. A Valid Payment Method: YouTube accepts major credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) and PayPal in most regions. Have your details handy.


5. Clarity on Your Choice: Decide whether you primarily want an ad-free YouTube experience with downloads (YouTube Premium) or a dedicated, ad-free music streaming service (YouTube Music Premium). YouTube Premium includes YouTube Music Premium.

Step-by-Step Sign-Up Process

Step 1: Navigate to YouTube and Sign In

Open your preferred web browser and go to `www.youtube.com`. Click the "Sign In" button in the top-right corner. Enter the credentials for the Google Account you wish to associate with the membership. This account will be your key to managing your subscription and preferences.

Step 2: Access the Premium Offer Page

Once signed in, look for your profile icon in the top-right corner. Click on it to open a dropdown menu. From this menu, select "Get YouTube Premium." This will redirect you to the official membership overview page, which details the benefits of both plans.

Step 3: Choose Your Plan

You will be presented with the available plans, typically:
YouTube Premium (Individual): Ad-free YouTube, YouTube Music Premium, offline downloads, and background play on all devices.
YouTube Music Premium (Individual): Ad-free, offline, background play for the YouTube Music app and service only.
Family & Student Plans: These will also be listed if available in your region.

Click the "TRY IT FREE" or "GET YOUTUBE PREMIUM" button under your chosen plan. Remember, YouTube Premium is the comprehensive option that includes everything.

Step 4: Start Your Free Trial (If Available)

YouTube usually offers a 1-month free trial for new subscribers. You will be taken to a checkout page confirming the trial offer. Crucially, you must enter payment details to begin the trial. Your card will not be charged until after the trial period ends. Review the trial length and the monthly price that will apply afterward.

Step 5: Enter Your Payment Details

Click "CONTINUE" on the trial page. You will be prompted to select or add a payment method. Enter your card information or link your PayPal account accurately. Ensure the billing address matches the one associated with your payment method to avoid verification issues. This is as crucial as ensuring your season ticket details are correct for access to the SOL.

Step 6: Review and Confirm Your Purchase

Carefully review the final summary. This will state the free trial duration, the recurring monthly charge, and the next billing date. Check the box to agree to YouTube's Terms of Service. Finally, click "BUY" or "START MY FREE TRIAL" to complete the transaction.

Step 7: Confirmation and Account Management

You should see an on-screen confirmation immediately. A receipt will also be sent to the email associated with your Google Account. Your account is now upgraded. You can manage your membership anytime by clicking your profile icon > "Purchases and memberships" > "Manage membership." Here, you can switch plans, update payment info, or cancel auto-renewal.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Leverage the Family Plan: If you have multiple SAFC fans in your household, the Family Plan (up to 6 members) is often more cost-effective than individual subscriptions. It’s like getting a group discount for away matches.
Student Discounts: If you’re a student, look for the verified Student Plan through SheerID for a significant discount—perfect for budgeting alongside your matchday expenses.
Set a Calendar Reminder: For the free trial, set a reminder for 2-3 days before the trial ends. This gives you time to decide if you want to continue or cancel without charge, avoiding an unexpected fee—a lesson in financial management any chairman like Kyril Louis-Dreyfus would appreciate.
Use Official Channels Only: Only sign up through `youtube.com` or the official YouTube Music website. Avoid third-party sites to protect your payment information.
Check Device Compatibility: While this guide is for computers, your membership works across phones, tablets, and smart TVs. Ensure your devices are logged into the same Google Account for a unified experience, whether you’re watching a Wear-Tyne derby recap on your TV or listening to a podcast on the go.
Common Mistake: Using the Wrong Google Account. Double-check you are signed into the account you intend to use permanently. Merging or transferring memberships between accounts is not straightforward.
Common Mistake: Ignoring the Fine Print. Understand the auto-renewal terms. The subscription will continue and charge your payment method automatically each month/year unless you cancel it.

Checklist Summary: Your Sign-Up Roadmap

Follow this bullet-point list to ensure you don't miss a step in securing your premium streaming access:

[ ] Gather Prerequisites: Computer, internet, Google Account, and payment method ready.
[ ] Navigate & Sign In: Go to `youtube.com` and sign into your chosen Google Account.
[ ] Access Premium: Click your profile icon and select "Get YouTube Premium."
[ ] Select Your Plan: Choose between YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium.
[ ] Initiate Trial: Click "TRY IT FREE" and proceed to checkout.
[ ] Enter Payment Details: Accurately input card or PayPal information for verification.
[ ] Review & Confirm: Check the terms, pricing, and billing date before clicking "BUY."
[ ] Verify & Manage: Check your email for confirmation and locate the "Manage membership" page for future changes.

With your new membership activated, you can now enjoy an uninterrupted deep dive into Sunderland AFC heritage—from classic matches to the latest analysis from the Sunderland Echo—all without a single ad break. For more essential guides on everything related to the club, from its history at Roker Park to its future at the Academy of Light, explore our comprehensive resource at the Sunderland AFC Complete Guide.