YouTube Premium Subscribers 2026: Over 125 Million Globally
As of July 2026, YouTube Premium and YouTube Music have surpassed 125 million paid subscribers globally (including free trials). This represents a 25% increase from 100 million in January 2024, driven by expanding markets and bundled offerings.
YouTube Premium by the Numbers (2026)
- Total subscribers (including trials): ~125-130 million (estimated, as YouTube no longer publishes exact figures)
- Annual revenue: Estimated $12-15 billion from subscriptions (excluding ads)
- Top country: United States (~35 million subscribers)
- Fastest growth: India, Brazil, and Southeast Asia
- Penetration rate: ~2% of global YouTube monthly active users (2.7 billion)
Year-by-Year Trend: YouTube Premium Subscribers (2018–2026)
| Year | Subscribers (millions) | Year-over-Year Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | ~1 | Launch year |
| 2019 | ~8 | +700% |
| 2020 | ~20 | +150% |
| 2021 | ~30 | +50% |
| 2022 | ~50 | +67% |
| 2023 | ~80 | +60% |
| 2024 | ~100 | +25% |
| 2025 | ~115 | +15% |
| 2026 | ~125-130 | ~+10% |
Note: Figures from 2024 onward are estimates based on industry reports and Google's occasional disclosures. Exact numbers are not publicly released.
YouTube Premium Subscribers by Country (2026, Estimated)
| Country / Region | Estimated Subscribers (millions) | Share of Total |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 35 | 28% |
| India | 20 | 16% |
| Brazil | 10 | 8% |
| Japan | 8 | 6% |
| South Korea | 6 | 5% |
| Mexico | 5 | 4% |
| United Kingdom | 5 | 4% |
| Germany | 4 | 3% |
| Canada | 3 | 2% |
| Indonesia | 3 | 2% |
| Rest of World | ~26-31 | ~22% |
Estimates based on app store revenue data, analyst reports, and population penetration. Official country-level breakdowns are not published.
Historical Growth
YouTube Premium (originally YouTube Red) launched in 2018 with a limited US-only test. After rebranding and expanding globally, the service saw explosive growth from 2019 to 2023, fueled by the popularity of ad-free viewing and YouTube Music. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated adoption as people spent more time online. Growth has slowed since 2024 as the base becomes larger, but the service continues to add 10-15 million subscribers annually.
What Is Driving the Change
Several factors are driving YouTube Premium's growth:
- Ad fatigue – Users increasingly pay to avoid pre-roll and mid-roll ads.
- YouTube Music bundling – Premium includes YouTube Music, competing with Spotify and Apple Music.
- Background play and downloads – Key features for mobile users.
- International expansion – Lower pricing in emerging markets (e.g., India at ~$1.50/month) drives volume.
- Content creator push – YouTube promotes Premium through exclusive originals and ad-free creator content.
Methodology
YouTube does not regularly disclose subscriber numbers. Figures for 2018–2023 are based on official announcements from Google earnings calls and blog posts. Estimates for 2024–2026 are derived from third-party analysts (e.g., MIDiA Research, Apptopia) and extrapolation from revenue data in Alphabet's annual report. Country-level data are estimates based on app store intelligence and survey data. All figures should be considered approximate; statistics change and must be re-verified before citing.
Last updated: July 2026.
Key takeaways
- YouTube Premium and YouTube Music have surpassed 125 million subscribers globally as of mid-2026.
- The United States leads with an estimated 35 million subscribers, followed by India (20 million) and Brazil (10 million).
- Annual growth has slowed to ~10% but remains strong, driven by ad fatigue and international expansion.
- YouTube's subscription revenue is estimated at $12-15 billion annually, making it a major player in the streaming market.
- The service has grown from just 1 million subscribers at launch in 2018 to over 125 million in eight years.
Frequently asked questions
How many YouTube Premium subscribers are there in 2026?
As of July 2026, YouTube Premium and YouTube Music have an estimated 125-130 million paid subscribers globally, including those on free trials.
Which country has the most YouTube Premium subscribers?
The United States has the most subscribers, estimated at 35 million, followed by India (20 million) and Brazil (10 million).
Is YouTube Premium growing?
Yes, but growth has slowed. After rapid growth from 2018 to 2023, the service added about 10-15 million subscribers per year in 2024-2026.
How does YouTube Premium compare to Spotify?
Spotify reported 239 million subscribers in Q1 2026, nearly double YouTube Premium's base. However, YouTube's ad-supported reach is far larger.
What is included in YouTube Premium?
YouTube Premium includes ad-free viewing on YouTube, background play, offline downloads, and access to YouTube Music Premium.
