Let's be honest, we've all been there. You've finally settled in to watch a classic Sunderland AFC highlight reel—maybe that 1973 FA Cup final win—and right as the commentary hits its peak... an ad for garden furniture blares out. Or you're building the ultimate pre-match playlist on YouTube Music, only to have it interrupted every few songs.

That's where YouTube Premium and YouTube Music Premium come in. They're the twin solutions to a modern problem: enjoying your content, your way, without the interruptions. Whether you're a die-hard Black Cats fan wanting ad-free match analysis or a music lover curating the perfect Stadium of Light anthem playlist, signing up is straightforward. This guide will walk you through the entire process on your computer, step-by-step.

By the end of this, you'll have a shiny new membership, ready to enjoy your videos and music without a single ad in sight. Let's get started.

What You'll Need Before You Start

This isn't a complicated process, but having a few things ready will make it as smooth as a Luke O'Nien tackle (the clean ones, of course).

A Google Account: This is non-negotiable. YouTube is a Google service, so you need a Gmail account to sign up. If you don't have one, you'll need to create it first. A Compatible Web Browser: Any modern browser will do—Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge. Make sure it's updated. A Valid Payment Method: Google accepts all major credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), PayPal in most regions, and sometimes direct carrier billing. Have your details handy. A Clear Idea of Which Service You Want: A quick primer: YouTube Premium: This is the full package. Ad-free YouTube videos, background play on mobile (so audio keeps playing when you lock your phone), offline downloads, and access to YouTube Music Premium. YouTube Music Premium: This is for the music-focused fan. Ad-free music streaming, background play, downloads, and audio-only mode. It does not give you ad-free videos on the main YouTube site.

Think of it like choosing your matchday experience: Premium is the hospitality suite with all the perks, while Music Premium is a fantastic season ticket for the music stand.

Step 1: Navigate to the Right YouTube Page

First, open your web browser and go to YouTube.com. Make sure you're signed into the Google Account you want to use for the subscription.

Look at the top-right corner of the screen. You should see your profile picture or initial. If you're not signed in, click "Sign In" and log in with your Google credentials.
Once signed in, click on that same profile picture in the top-right. A dropdown menu will appear.
In this menu, click on "Purchases and memberships". This is your gateway to all of YouTube's paid offerings.

Pro Tip: You can also sometimes find prompts for Premium directly on the YouTube homepage or by clicking on a "Try Premium" banner if YouTube is offering a trial.

Step 2: Choose Your Plan

You'll now be on the "YouTube Paid Memberships" page. This is where you see your options laid out clearly.

You should see two primary cards: one for YouTube Premium and one for YouTube Music Premium. Each will list its key benefits and its monthly price.
Click the "TRY FREE" or "BUY" button on the plan you want. If a free trial is available (often 1 month), it will be prominently displayed.
A new window or side panel will pop up, asking you to confirm your country/region. This is crucial for pricing and payment currency. Ensure it's correct, then proceed.

Think about how you use YouTube. If you watch tons of fan vlogs, tactical analysis, and classic match footage on the main site, YouTube Premium is your best bet. If you only open YouTube for the music service, then Music Premium is the cost-effective choice.

Step 3: Review the Plan Details & Start Trial

Before any money changes hands, you'll get a final summary screen. Read this carefully.

This screen will confirm:

The plan name (e.g., "YouTube Premium Individual"). The monthly price after any promotional period. The length of the free trial (e.g., "1 month free"). The date your trial will end and when your first charge will occur.

Very Important: Check the auto-renewal terms. Your subscription will automatically renew at the end of the trial or billing period unless you cancel it. This is standard practice.
If everything looks good, click the button to continue—it will usually say "START FREE TRIAL" or "BUY."

Step 4: Enter Your Payment Information

Now it's time to set up your billing. Don't worry, this is a secure Google payments page.

You'll be redirected to a Google Pay screen. If you've used this card with Google before (on the Play Store, for example), it might already be listed. You can select a saved method or add a new one.
To add a new payment method, click "Add a payment method."
Fill in your card details (number, expiry date, CVC) or choose PayPal. You'll also need to enter your billing address.
Double-check all the information for typos. An incorrect postcode or CVC is the most common reason for a payment to fail.

Step 5: Confirm and Complete the Purchase

You're on the final step!

After entering your payment details, you'll see a final confirmation screen. It will reiterate your plan, price, and trial details.
Click the final "BUY" or "START FREE TRIAL" button. The system will process your payment method (it may place a small temporary authorization hold on your card to verify it, which drops off).
Within seconds, you should see a confirmation message and be redirected back to YouTube. A welcome message for YouTube Premium or YouTube Music will often appear.

And that's it! You're now a member. You can immediately start enjoying ad-free content. Try playing any video or song—you should notice the difference straight away.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Set a Calendar Reminder: If you're using a free trial, set a reminder in your phone's calendar for a day or two before the trial ends. This gives you time to decide if you love the service or want to cancel without being charged. Where to Manage/Cancel: You manage your subscription not directly on YouTube, but through your Google Account. Go to pay.google.com and look for "Subscriptions and services." You can pause, change, or cancel there anytime. Check for Student/Family Plans: If you're a student or have family members who want to join, go back to the "Purchases and memberships" page. There are often significant discounts for YouTube Premium Family or student-verified accounts. You need to set these up from the start. The #1 Mistake: Wrong Google Account. The most common hiccup is people signing up with a different Google account than the one they usually use on YouTube. Make sure you're signed into your primary account before starting. Your subscription is tied to that specific account. Payment Method Issues: If your payment fails, it's almost always due to an outdated card, insufficient funds, or a billing address mismatch. Update your details in your Google Pay account and try again. Enjoy the Perks: Don't just enjoy the lack of ads! Explore background play on your phone (a game-changer for listening to podcast-style SAFC fan channels) and download videos for your commute when signal is patchy on the way to the match.

For more guides on making the most of your digital experience as a fan, explore our Sunderland AFC complete guide.

Your Quick-Start Checklist

Here’s a recap of everything you need to do, in a simple list you can tick off:

Gather Prerequisites: Ensure you have a Google Account, a valid payment method, and know which plan (Premium or Music Premium) you want.
Sign In: Go to YouTube.com and make sure you're signed into the correct Google Account.
Access Memberships: Click your profile picture > "Purchases and memberships."
Select Your Plan: Choose either YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium and click "TRY FREE" or "BUY."
Confirm Details: Review the plan, price, trial length, and auto-renewal terms on the summary screen.
Enter Payment Info: Add a new credit/debit card or PayPal account, or select a saved one.
Complete Purchase: Click the final confirmation button and wait for the success message.
Verify & Enjoy: Play a video or song to confirm ads are gone. Explore features like downloads and background play!

Now, with the ads silenced, you can focus on what matters: reliving that Jermain Defoe volley or building the ultimate playlist for next season's promotion push. Happy viewing (and listening)!

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