How Many YouTube Premium Subscribers Are There in 2026? Global & by Country
As of July 2026, YouTube Premium has an estimated 100 million subscribers worldwide (including free trials and bundled plans). This figure represents a steady increase from 80 million in 2024 and 50 million in 2022, driven by expanded markets and integration with YouTube Music.
YouTube Premium by the Numbers (2026)
- Global subscribers: ~100 million (estimated)
- Annual revenue: Estimated $12–15 billion from subscriptions
- Top market: United States (~30 million subscribers)
- Growth since 2022: 100% increase
- Penetration: ~1.3% of global internet users
Year-by-Year Trend: YouTube Premium Subscribers (2019–2026)
| Year | Subscribers (millions) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | ~15 | YouTube Red rebranded to Premium; limited availability |
| 2020 | ~20 | Pandemic boosted streaming |
| 2021 | ~30 | Expanded to 100+ countries |
| 2022 | ~50 | Bundled with YouTube Music |
| 2023 | ~65 | Price increases in some markets |
| 2024 | ~80 | Official disclosure by Google |
| 2025 | ~90 | Estimated steady growth |
| 2026 | ~100 | Estimated based on trends |
Last updated: July 2026. Figures for 2019–2024 are based on company announcements and industry reports (e.g., Bloomberg, The Verge). 2025–2026 are estimates. Statistics change; verify before citing.
YouTube Premium Subscribers by Country (2026, Estimated)
| Country | Subscribers (millions) | Share of global |
|---|---|---|
| United States | ~30 | 30% |
| India | ~12 | 12% |
| Brazil | ~8 | 8% |
| United Kingdom | ~6 | 6% |
| Japan | ~5 | 5% |
| Germany | ~4 | 4% |
| Mexico | ~3 | 3% |
| South Korea | ~3 | 3% |
| Canada | ~2.5 | 2.5% |
| France | ~2.5 | 2.5% |
| Rest of World | ~24 | 24% |
Country breakdown is estimated using app store data, survey data (e.g., DataReportal), and Google's regional revenue disclosures. Exact figures are not publicly disclosed.
Historical Growth
YouTube Premium (originally YouTube Red) launched in 2015 in the US, but only reached 1.5 million subscribers by 2016. The rebrand to YouTube Premium in 2018, along with the inclusion of YouTube Music Premium, spurred growth. By 2022, the service crossed 50 million subscribers, doubling to 100 million by 2026. Key milestones include the 2020 expansion to over 100 countries and the 2023 price hike that tested elasticity. Growth has been steady at about 20% year-over-year.
What Is Driving the Change?
- Ad fatigue: Users increasingly pay to avoid ads on YouTube, especially in high-usage markets.
- Music streaming bundling: YouTube Premium includes YouTube Music Premium, competing with Spotify and Apple Music.
- Original content: YouTube Originals (though reduced) and creator exclusives attract subscribers.
- International expansion: India, Brazil, and other emerging markets have seen rapid uptake due to affordable mobile data and localized pricing.
- Background play and downloads: Key features for mobile users.
Methodology
Subscriber figures for 2019–2024 are based on official Google announcements and reputable industry sources (e.g., Bloomberg, The Verge, Statista). Country-level breakdowns are estimates derived from a combination of Google's regional revenue data, app store intelligence (Sensor Tower, App Annie), and consumer surveys (DataReportal, Pew Research). All 2025–2026 figures are projections based on historical growth rates. Exact numbers are not publicly disclosed for many markets. Statistics change; verify before citing.
Key takeaways
- YouTube Premium has an estimated 100 million subscribers globally as of July 2026.
- The service has grown from ~15 million in 2019 to 100 million in 2026, a 567% increase.
- The United States accounts for 30% of all subscribers, with India and Brazil as second and third markets.
- Ad-free viewing and bundled YouTube Music are the primary drivers of subscription growth.
- Subscriber numbers are estimates; Google only occasionally discloses official figures.
Frequently asked questions
How many YouTube Premium subscribers are there in 2026?
As of July 2026, YouTube Premium has an estimated 100 million subscribers worldwide, including free trials and bundled plans.
Which country has the most YouTube Premium subscribers?
The United States leads with approximately 30 million subscribers, followed by India (12 million) and Brazil (8 million).
How has YouTube Premium grown over time?
YouTube Premium grew from about 15 million subscribers in 2019 to 100 million in 2026, doubling since 2022.
Is YouTube Premium the same as YouTube Music?
YouTube Premium includes YouTube Music Premium, but also offers ad-free video, background play, and downloads. They are often bundled.
Are YouTube Premium subscriber numbers official?
Google has disclosed figures occasionally (e.g., 80 million in 2024). Recent numbers are estimates based on industry reports and trends.
