I don't expect it for free either. But they already get my user data. This seemed to work well for the last 20 years. Now they want my user data AND want me to pay on top by creating such a bad user experience for the free tier that one feels like Pavlov's dog being conditioned to wait for the "skip" button to appear to get the movie rewards.

> But they already get my user data

You know, I'm curious, I've never asked, and never actually gave it a true, real, hard thought.

You, rando internet person, is making a claim:

"they already get my user data"

So you are completely aware of what this data is?

You are completely aware of its true, real, actual value?

Maybe user data is less valuable than we all perceive?

It could explain the increase in ads.

It could explain why paying for YouTube Premium is an overall much better solution to the problem.

I imagine a future where you don't use YouTube Premium simply because you're checking something quickly somewhere where you're not logged in.

Remember, most videos are 1 time watch. Maybe YouTube should consider a pay-as-you-use system?

Yes, although there is a frequency where they will drive me away, and I wish they weren't always edging up to that line. Google isn't short of money.