How to Watch Members Only Videos on YouTube for Free?

So, here’s the deal: YouTube members-only videos are basically exclusive content creators offer to people who pay for a channel membership. Think behind-the-scenes clips, early-access drops, private livestreams, and all the “hey, you’re special” stuff. No wonder many of you are exploring how to watch members only videos on youtube for free.

It’s YouTube’s way of letting creators give their loyal fans extra perks. And honestly? It works. These videos don’t show up for just anyone — you need to be logged in and subscribed as a paying member to even see the thumbnail sometimes.

Let’s be real, if you’re trying to click on one and it says “Join to watch”, you’re not getting in unless you pony up. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be writing this article in the first place.

This guide explores different ways to watch members-only content while ensuring compliance with YouTube’s policies.

How to Join Members-Only on YouTube?

It’s pretty simple. If your favorite creator offers memberships, you’ll see a “Join” button on their channel page (usually next to “Subscribe”). Click it, and YouTube will show you the different tiers and what you get — kinda like Patreon, but inside YouTube.

Heads up: Not all channels have this feature. It depends on the country, the creator’s eligibility.

Once you join, you’ll get access to:

• Members-only community posts
• Special badges next to your name in live chat
• Exclusive members-only videos
• Sometimes custom emojis, if you’re into that.

Benefits of Becoming a Member

• Exclusive content: Enjoy exclusive videos, live streams, and community posts.
• Support creators: Directly support your favorite creators by contributing financially.
• Community recognition: Receive special badges and emojis in comments and live chats.

Is it worth it? If you’re a ride-or-die fan, absolutely. If not… well, get to the part of how to watch members only videos on youtube for free.

How to Watch Member Only YouTube Videos Free?

Here comes the question: can you watch these videos for free?

The short answer is, Yes. You can watch YouTube members-only videos without costing a penny in many ways.

While YouTube members-only videos are part of a paid subscription model, there are legitimate ways to access this content without paying. Here are some methods to watch members-only videos on YouTube for free:

1. Free Trials or Promotions

If you’ve ever clicked on a members-only video and hit that wall of “Join now to watch,” don’t worry — you’re not totally locked out. YouTube actually hands out a free 1-month Premium trial that lets you peek behind the velvet rope.

Here’s how you do it:

Step 1. Log In Properly: Open your browser and sign in to your YouTube account in one tab. Then, just to be safe, sign in to your Google account in another tab too.

Step 2. Head to the “Purchases and Memberships” Section: Click your profile picture in the top-right corner of YouTube, then hit “Purchases and memberships.” That’s where YouTube keeps all your stuff — even the stuff you don’t know you have.

Step 3. Tap “Learn More” Under Premium: Scroll until you see YouTube Premium, then hit “Learn more.” If you’re eligible, you’ll see an option to grab a free trial. Snag it. Boom — you’re officially Premium for the next 30 days.

During that time, you can:

• Watch members-only videos without paying
• Record them (responsibly)
• Download them for offline viewing (YouTube lets you do that with Premium)

Some creators even offer their own free trials for membership content. Keep an eye on their social media or channel announcements for such offers.

2. Giveaways

Many YouTube creators host giveaways where they offer free memberships as prizes to their subscribers. Participating in these giveaways can be a great way to gain access to members-only content without paying.

• Follow giveaway announcements: Creators typically announce giveaways on their YouTube channels, social media, or during live streams. Stay engaged with your favorite creators to catch these opportunities.
• Participate in giveaways: Follow the entry instructions carefully, which might include liking videos, leaving comments, or sharing content.

3. Public Reuploads

Occasionally, creators may share members-only content publicly after a certain period. This can be a way to attract more members or celebrate milestones.

• Regularly check the channel: Keep an eye on your favorite creators’ channels for announcements about limited-time public access to members-only videos.
• Watch live streams: Creators may share members-only content during live streams or special events.

4. Collaboration with Friends

If you have a friend who is a member of a channel, you might ask them to share the content with you. This method should be used ethically and within YouTube’s terms of service.

• Ask for permission: Politely ask friends if they can share specific members-only videos with you.
• Watch together: Arrange to watch the videos together, either in person or via a screen-sharing platform like Zoom or Discord.

5. YouTube’s Free Subscription Offer

YouTube has introduced a program where creators can give away free subscriptions to boost audience growth. Eligible creators can offer up to 10 free memberships per month, which can be distributed during live streams or premieres.

• Eligibility: Channels must have memberships enabled and offer at least one tier below $5 per month to participate in this program.
• Distribution: Free memberships are distributed based on viewer engagement with the channel, though YouTube may allow creators to select recipients in the future.

6. Content Shared on Other Platforms

Sometimes, creators share their members-only content on other social media platforms or websites. You can check these platforms for free access to exclusive videos.

• Follow creators on social media: Keep an eye on creators’ social media profiles for any shared members-only content.
• Check other websites: Occasionally, creators may upload members-only videos to other platforms like Vimeo or TikTok.

You might be interested in: 6 Ways to Unblock YouTube on a School Chromebook

Other Ways to Unlock YouTube Members-Only Videos

Some users seek alternative ways to bypass YouTube’s restrictions, but it’s important to consider:

• Myths and misconceptions: No legitimate method exists to unlock members-only videos without subscribing.
• Risks of unauthorized access: Third-party websites and hacked accounts violate YouTube’s terms of service and can lead to account suspension or legal consequences.

Worried about your information being leaked while browsing? Try BearVPN to securely hide your IP address and protect your online activity.

Can You Download Members-Only Videos on YouTube?

Downloading members-only videos is restricted under YouTube’s policies. However, there are legal options:

• YouTube Premium: Offers an offline viewing feature, but this does not apply to members-only content unless the creator allows it.
• Offline mode restrictions: Downloaded videos can only be watched within the YouTube app for a limited time.

Final Thoughts

This post offers you 7 ways to watch members-only videos on YouTube. Choose a method that works for you and give it a try.

FAQ

1. What are YouTube members-only videos?

YouTube members-only videos are exclusive content created by YouTubers for their channel members. These videos can include behind-the-scenes footage, early releases of upcoming content, or special live streams that are not available to the general public. They are a key part of YouTube’s membership program, which allows creators to offer special perks to their most dedicated and supportive fans in exchange for a monthly fee.

2. How do creators benefit from offering members-only content?

A: Creators benefit from offering members-only content by gaining a direct revenue stream from their most dedicated fans. This allows them to produce more exclusive content, enhance engagement with their core audience, and build a stronger community through custom perks like badges and emojis.

3. Can I access members-only videos without a subscription?

No, members-only videos are restricted to those who have a paid membership. There are no legitimate ways to bypass the subscription to access this content for free, as it would violate YouTube’s terms of service.

4. Can I use third-party extensions to watch members-only videos?

It is not recommended to use third-party extensions to bypass YouTube’s restrictions. These extensions often violate YouTube’s terms of service and can lead to account suspension. Additionally, they may contain malware or spyware that can compromise your device’s security.

5. How do I cancel my YouTube membership?

To cancel your YouTube membership, go to your account settings, find “Purchases and Memberships,” and select “Manage Membership.” From there, you can cancel your membership subscription at any time without affecting your access to current member-only content.