We all know YouTube Premium. The most popular reason to subscribe? Of course, "ad-free." Who doesn't love enjoying their favorite videos without sudden ad breaks? However, if that's all we're utilizing, then we're missing out on many hidden features that make the viewing experience far superior.

YouTube Premium isn't just about removing ads; it's about upgrading the entire way we interact with the world's largest video platform. Let's dive into the "hidden" features we might not be aware of, and how they can transform our viewing habits.

Pinch-to-Zoom: The True Full Screen Experience

This might sound minor, but this feature is a game-changer for mobile viewing. By default, when we zoom in on a YouTube video, it crops the sides to fill the screen. With Pinch-to-Zoom in Premium, we can pinch the video screen vertically, and the video will fill our entire 16:9 aspect ratio screen.

• Why is this important? No more black bars on the sides of the screen on modern phones with longer aspect ratios. We get an immersive, full-screen experience, perfect for small details or simply enjoying cinematography without distraction.

Video Queue: Instant On-The-Fly Playlists

The "Queue" feature allows us to create a real-time playlist of videos without having to leave the video we're currently watching. It's like having our own personal YouTube DJ.

• How to Use: While watching a video, tap the vertical three dots next to another video (or long-press and swipe up), then select "Add to queue."
• When is it Useful? Perfect when we want to watch a series of tutorial videos, podcast episodes, or a music collection without constantly searching and interrupting our flow. Videos will play automatically in the queued order.

Watch Together via Google Meet

This is a hidden gem for social experiences. YouTube Premium integrates with Google Meet, allowing us to watch videos simultaneously with friends or family on a video call with synced playback controls for everyone.

• When is it Useful? Perfect for remote movie nights, reaction sessions to new videos with friends, or even collaborative meetings involving video. Everyone sees the same thing, at the same time.

Smart Downloads: Save Data, Always Ready

We already know about offline downloads, which allows us to manually download videos. However, Smart Downloads in Premium takes it a step further. This feature automatically downloads recommended videos based on our watch history when we're connected to Wi-Fi.

• Why is this smart? We'll always have new, relevant content to watch when traveling or in places without a stable internet connection, without having to remember to download manually. It also saves our mobile data.

Continue Watching Across Devices

No more needing to remember what minute we stopped watching. YouTube Premium seamlessly syncs our viewing progress across various devices from smartphone to tablet, PC, or smart TV.

• When is it Useful? Incredibly convenient when we start a video on our phone on the way home, then want to continue it on a larger TV screen once we arrive, without missing a beat.

YouTube Premium is more than just "ad-free." It's a comprehensive upgrade that enhances the convenience, control, and connectivity of our viewing experience. From full-screen details to co-watching sessions, these features are designed to make every moment on YouTube feel more premium.

If we're already subscribed, let's make sure we're maximizing all the value it offers. If not, perhaps it's time to consider a truly uninterrupted and feature-rich YouTube experience.