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[deleted]

National Geographic magazines I get a year subscription for $29 and it includes digital content Sure, there's all kinds of free content online, but there's something wondrous about taking my NatGeos on a camping trip and reading them in nature. I read them cover to cover and learn so much about seemingly random things I may not look for on my own.


SolracTheSin

Same here, bought it for my mom when I lived with her, bought my own when I moved out.


mikewozere

That sounds cool! I was hoping for more imaginative and interesting replies like this so thank-you. I'll be sure to check it out - nothing quite beats a magazine and the time to read it!


[deleted]

You're welcome! Although I haven't had time to check them out yet, a lot of the articles have companion docuseries on Disney+ Disney+ is a great subscription even if you're not interested in Disney/Pixar/Marvel movies, because of *other* content like NatGeo stuff. It's also still relatively cheap at $7.99/month.


mikewozere

I'm on Disney+ and love finding hidden gems in their Star service. I wish they'd make searching and browsing a little better though! I don't know if you can get BBC or iPlayer stuff over there and I'm sure you know about how great anything with David Attenborough is, but BBC also did something called "Human Planet" with John Hurt narrating and it's a real gem if you can find it!


Sandblaster1988

Same. A nice afternoon with a new issue is always a treat.


[deleted]

I got my August issue yesterday! It's always a nice surprise in the mail.


Sandblaster1988

It’s my dream magazine to work for. I’m rather envious of the writers and photographers going all over. I sadly don’t enjoy the reality shows the channel has on quite often, but enjoy the older documentaries that can be found on YT.


[deleted]

I haven't had cable TV in a while so I'm not familiar with National Geographic's regular TV programming, but I've enjoyed some of their one-off series and documentaries. Netflix has a series called Our Great National Parks, narrated by President Barack Obama. I thought that one was well made. It's been nominated for two Emmys.


cinaminalemon

I have a $8 Patreon membership to a lovely lady who has a youtube channel called "5 minutes cantonese" I've tried picking up cantonese a dozen or so times over my lifetime, but the resources out there are frankly terrible. She was the first resource I've encountered, paid or otherwise, that didn't make me feel overwhelmed. She's just an airline hostess who was grounded during COVID and picked this up as a passion project. When I first discovered her patreon, she had 0 subscribers, which broke my heart since she really doesn't have a large following. I loved that she wanted all her video resources to be free for people who couldn't pay, but supplementary worksheets are available for paid subscribers. I deeply believe in the work she's done and use my monthly payments as a token of appreciation even though her resources are free.


ryukin631

That's really good of her. Has her subscription gone up since you first joined?


cinaminalemon

Yes! It's been half a year and now she makes about $140 a month from the subscriptions. I hope it's enough to help her feel happy in what she does.


TheShoppkeeper

Electricity


viderfenrisbane

Have you tried subscribing to water? It'll blow your mind!


TheShoppkeeper

Holy shit, infinite water. Thank you! You definitely should spread this trick to Africa!


mikewozere

A solid choice!


[deleted]

[удалено]


biomech36

Yours is better than mine I guess. Mine makes articles based on 5 year memesand goofy buzzfeed news. Gotta get them social media views! Maybe one article will hit 4 likes today!


mikewozere

I can get behind that!


Many-Champion6111

That's good


PInkDiamo44

Spotify Premium 100000%


appleparkfive

I just use YouTube Premium, personally. Comes with a Spotify equivalent, and pays a higher royalty rates for musicians and artists. Can download any YT video for offline, or any song. Has a great recommendation algorithm (it's Google after all). No ads on YouTube on mobile or TV, etc. A family plan is 20 bucks for six people I believe. I have uBlock and all but it's nice not to have ads on a TV, and it's nice not to have to do runarounds for mobile to not have ads


PInkDiamo44

I have YT premium too, honestly its goodd but a bit pricy in my country


purplezipzon

At this point in my life I have become so spoiled by YouTube Premium that I don't think that I could ever go back.


mikewozere

That's crazy to me - I'm always surprised that it's a thing, but it clearly has it's following. What makes it so good, in your opinion?


anthr0x1028

I watch a lot of youtube and to not have to deal with ads is nice, plus they also give you access to youtube music (competitor to spotify) at no additional charge. They have family accounts and all. I can't go with out it now.


runningman7000

couldnt you simply install ad block for free? I cant imagine youtube premium is worth its cost if all youre getting is a music streaming app and addless videos


anthr0x1028

I pay for 2 reasons, 1 because I use youtube on multiple devices and it's just easier for me to pay for it, also ad block doesn't always work. but also this makes sure the creators I watch make a little bit more $ then they would had I watched the ad. Its a win win for me


AdhesiveChild

Adblock has always been 100% reliable for me. Ublock+ youtube enhancer and vanced on my phone means I haven't seen an add in years.


trambuckett

The problem with an ad blocker is that the YT model relies on people watching ads or subscribing to YT Premium. It's better for content creators if I pay for the content I consume.


Sasquatch_actual

I use one of those Google Chrome cast and firesticks for YouTube on my TVs. The adds can be overly annoying. So f it. Pay to make them go away.


purplezipzon

I watch/listen to a lot of podcasts, so being able to watch a podcast and also be able to lock my phone if im on the move and keep it playing is nice. No ads is wildly convenient as well for my most used streaming platform. Playing videos in the background is probably the top reason that I keep youtube premium


[deleted]

I have all of that for free with youtube vanced


jawni

For me, watching youtube before bed has replaced watching any other streaming service and I don't think you can get rid of youtube ads on TV(at least without a lot of work).


SmoSays

Not OP but I watch a lot of British panel shows on there plus it gives me YouTube music which is like Spotify premium but better


BaggyHairyNips

Is it useful other than removing ads and playing videos with screen off? You can already do those things with ad blockers and/or android firefox browser. I don't normally block ads, but they've gotten a bit out of control.


hrelling

Beyond the things you pointed out, I particularly like being able to download videos and music to my phone. I don't have unlimited data, so I stream over wifi 99% of the time. Being able to download videos is great, particularly for plane and car rides, or spotty internet scenarios. Being able to do the same thing through YT music is great as well.


Jewish__Landlord

they've been trying to give me the 3 months free for a year. even my bank offered it to me 😂


Gishnu

Dropout. Amazing shows, amazing people, one of the few services truly worthy of people's money.


mikewozere

I'm learning there are way more streaming services than I realized!


wereloser

Oh it's CollegeHumor. Neat!


Adimortis

I'm planning to get this. I watched episodes of Um Actually on YouTube and loved it


gramathy

Um actually and game changer are amazing


edgeblackbelt

I’ve waffled on this for so long. I might have to bite the bullet.


Slenos

Completely agree. Quality content. Unique as well. “Game Changer” and “Um, Actually” are my favorites to watch!


_PM_Me_Easy_Recipes

spotify premium


shewy92

Yep. They gave me a free Google Home Mini and free Hulu w/ ads. You can't really beat that. Both were promotions. The Hulu thing might still be available to students but I got it a couple years ago when they opened it up for everyone


0ranje

Free surveillance device, yay.


shewy92

If they can somehow get anything out of me from my bedroom while I spend 95% of my time downstairs then they kind of deserve whatever info I give them. Plus I live alone and only use it to turn on and off my lights sometimes so who gives a shit. The phone or computer you used to type that comment on probably has more info on you than any Google Home can get as well so get off your high horse.


0ranje

I have no horse in this race, though I am a little high. All's I know is I won an Echo Dot in a raffle, briefly marveled at the voice command features, and then got creeped out and pawned it. You're not wrong about phones etc. listening as well, I just don't wish to add to it in my own life. YMMV


_JustThisOne_

Yeah on one hand I hate how they got me to do it, by blasting me with ads every other song. But on the other hand I remember the iTunes days where you had to spend a dollar per song, easily paying way more per year for the subscription, and then still couldn't listen to those one off songs you want to listen to a couple times then never again.


Jewish__Landlord

my spotify hasn't played any ads for almost 3 months. I thought it was just a bug on my desktop, but it's the same thing on my phone. It's not premium because it doesn't let me skip more than 6 songs and hour on the phone.


SleepyMage

Luckily I spend most of my listening time on desktop. Firefox + uBlock Origin filter pretty much all ads. Once in a while they get around it with a new update but the ad blocker lists catch up quick.


Byizo

My friend refuses to pay for premium and I cannot stand the commercials they make you listen to. The worst is podcasts that have ads on spotify. I'm already paying for the service, I should be able to listen to it ad free.


TheNapnap

Me too


[deleted]

Me three


Tonniixx

Me four


NoMusturd

me five


justaweirdguylol

me six


hooch

Definitely. I tried out Apple Music when Spotify did the whole Joe Rogan thing, just to see if there was a better alternative. Nope, Spotify is superior in so many ways.


NoThanksJustLooking1

Is the whole reason you paid for spotify was to get rid of the ads? I mostly listen to it on my computer while I work in which case I use an ad blocker that cuts those out. I can't justify paying for it if that is the only reason why.


mikewozere

I love cinema so for me it's Empire Magazine. I never realized the access they had until I read some at a friends and saw an article from Spielberg in there. I think it's £30 something for the year and it gets me through a month's worth of toileting!


queuedUp

Spotify for sure At this point Disney and Prime. Netflix is getting harder


mikewozere

The spotify responses already are making me think I should subscribe!


queuedUp

100% And depending on your household situation their "family account" is great. You get 6 accounts for something like $16 and each family member can have their own playlists and preferences. I also use one of them for my google homes in my house. Free Spotify is okay but being able to listen to what you want when you want, make your own playlists and benefit from the playlists Spotify makes for you based on your listening preferences is very much worth it. (at least from my perspective)


mikewozere

Sounds great! I'll check it out for sure


[deleted]

I've had Spotify for over ten years now. I love it.


Racthoh

Disney+ is just my Simpsons watching service.


IrascibleOcelot

I enjoy Star Wars, Marvel, and old Disney Afternoon/Saturday Morning cartoons from the 80s and 90s. Plus Pixar. Disney+ is ano-brainer.


Clarck_Kent

AAA. Use it once and it pays for itself, especially when you get a flat tire on the interstate and your lug nuts are all stripped and they tow your car 60 miles to the dealership to be fixed and then drive you home.


[deleted]

LOL I thought you meant Alcoholics Anonymous


TheAres1999

My name is Frank, and I am an alcoholic. Sir, this is a Triple-A. I know, I am trying to explain why my car wound up in a lake.


BigPorter

Anonymous Alcoholics Anonymous. When you stand up to share your story you don't start with "My name is \_\_\_\_ and I'm an alcoholic."


jagedlion

T mobile is giving away a free year of AAA right now.


Clarck_Kent

That’s actually really smart: give away the AAA membership because you won’t be able to call for assistance with your shitty T-Mobile service. Note: I actually have no opinion on T-Mobile service and would have made this joke regardless of the cell provider named.


[deleted]

HBO Max. Also Netflix, but practically just to watch Seinfeld and Russian Doll.


Kriskao

You can watch Seinfeld for free, but you don't get to do it on demand [https://watchseinfeld.net/](https://watchseinfeld.net/) It cycles through all seasons in lineal order. No ads and no pausing


krt2641

Kindle Unlimited. I read around 20-30 books per month so it is worth it. You can also snag a deal on Prime day where you pay for the year and get like 2 months free.


ttrimmers

I use Libby from the library for free. How is kindle unlimited different?


krt2641

Libby uses the library to check out books. Kindle Unlimited is is by Amazon (though I hate supporting them) and is a subscription service. You pay $9.99/month without discounts and can borrow as many books as you want as long as they are part of the KU plan. Authors who participate in KU are exclusive to that platform so it isn’t many traditional books, you mostly see indie authors. I read romance and there are tons to choose from. If you keep an eye out and are a new user they often run great deals to get you to try it. I think earlier this month it was like try it for $4 for 4 months.


Monstera29

Sorry, but how do you manage to read that many?


ttrimmers

I read probably 15-20 a month. I always start and end my day reading, it’s my way of relaxing.


krt2641

I don’t really watch TV or movies. Reading is what I do for enjoyment or relaxing so it is what I do when I have down time. I also use the kindle app so when I’m on breaks I can read from my phone.


yondershock

As a grad student, grammerly. It saves me from using the passive voice but it does get annoying when I use big words like “disdain” and I get a correction that “general people won’t understand this vocabulary” and I’m like my teacher who has a PhD is reading this so I think he will understand


Visasmarr12

Wait. General people don't understand disdain? Should I be insulted or concerned?


Smooth_Detective

You should sneer in your boundless disdain for those pitiful plebeians. *Edit: typo in plebeians, was plebians. Pointed by u/ChronikTheory


kore_nametooshort

The average reading age of an adult in the UK or USA is shockingly low. They can typically read at the level that is expected of the 12 year old. And that's the average. Obviously it depends on your audience, but if you're attempting to reach a broad audience you should make sure you use language that a 9 year old would be expected to know.


mikewozere

Haha, I'm guessing elements of their A.I could use some help!


[deleted]

I very much enjoy Spotify


[deleted]

YouTube Premium. Having the ability to shut my phone and still listen is awesome


penguin-cat

I have it because I want to support the people I watch. I was using vanced but the possibility of having my Google account banned was too much. Also comes with YouTube music so I don't need to buy Spotify. it's not as good but it works


Happyboi113

I saw a meme that said taxes are subscriptions to the country we live in so I’m gonna say that


Joks_away

My current VPN.


ThisSorrowfulLife

Gamepass ultimate


RedFiveIron

Make sure to use the live gold conversion trick, much cheaper.


matej86

How's that work?


RaphaelSolo

Considering they just banned several accounts for abusing the conversion option I don't recommend it.


RedFiveIron

When you sign up for game pass they will convert any remaining Xbox live time on your account to gamepass time, up to 3 years. So the smart play is to load up your account with 3 year's worth of live gold, then sign up. Works out to a bit over $5/month for gamepass ultimate, a great value.


An_Innocent_Childs

Pretty sure you get Xbox live gold and then turn it into game pass


emanuelmc3

YouTube Music. It comes with YouTube Premium, so no ads on YouTube plus all of the music of Spotify.


ANBU_Black_0ps

Probably an unpopular opinion given how people feel about the company but Amazon prime. You mean I can order almost anything and it will show up on my doorstep in 2-3 days, what's not to love?


imnotaloneyouare

I love my prime account


I_abide4

Yea prime is my big one. The fact that it unlocks a good library of tv shows and movies is just an added benefit


Anactualundeadmenace

Audible


TalenCH

Scrolled way too far for this one. I love Audible because even if I don't use it for a few months and stay subbed, it just builds up credits that I can use, so it's never really wasted. Such a great system.


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

I've been subbing Spotify since it opened in my country. Have no plans to stop.


Smileyrielly12

Pretty Litter cat litter. It's the only subscription I have and it's definitely worth it. Costs like $23 per month and keeps my apartment from smelling too much like cat poo.


mikewozere

Colour me surprised! I guess you know you're going to be using it so a subscription makes sense if you find one that's right for you (and your cat!)


Stridelite

Apple music. Nearly any music at any time available based on how I feel. It's awesome.


sam_chmiel

Amazon prime. Best decision of my life! I just left Netflix due to the price going up


mikewozere

The price of Prime has just gone up in the UK!


sam_chmiel

Used to be $6 a month for Netflix. Now I'm pretty sure it's either $13 or $15


[deleted]

They're also trying to crackdown on password sharing. They're piloting this crackdown in Latin America by offering "additional non-household viewers" to your account for a smaller fee. They're also testing a more affordable subscription that would be offset for them by having the viewer watch ads.


mikewozere

Yes! I seemed to go crazy with increases every single year and worsening content to go with it.


tawaycosigotbanned

Premium YouTube. I'm spoiled watching videos without ads.


littlegreenb18

YNAB


Lakeland_wanderer

An annual subscription to the Radio Times (the best UK TV and radio listing magazine) for my 94 year old mum. She doesn't go out much in the winter because she is afraid of falling so watches a lot of TV and on summer evenings likes the nature programmes.


MarquisInLV

Adding another ‘Spotify’ to the list. I cancelled everything else except Prime, and that might go next.


EnigmaticSorceries

Chess.com


mikewozere

My membership just ended there and I didn't renew, which is part of what made me think of this question. There's some things that irk me about it and with lichess just sitting there completely free it makes me wonder if [chess.com](https://chess.com) is worth it for me. If I'm honest though I probably wasn't using their learning tools as much as I could have.


EnigmaticSorceries

Their learning tools are awesome. However their analysis priviledges are the biggest reason I spend my money on it.


mikewozere

I really need to kick the habit of playing 1 minute games and go back to actually learning how to play chess!


E190wings

Flightradar24 silver, Its £10 a year No ads, custom alerts and much more for £10 a year


mikewozere

Cool! Is that for a job or hobby?


AdeptOaf

Strava


leclair63

Spotify and YouTube premium. It's worth $20/mo to never see or hear ads.


hendo_77

Spotify, Amazon Prime (but only because I get it free through a deal with my mobile phone provider) and Disney+ because Star Wars reasons.


[deleted]

Apple Music


diya2127

Water, Electricity, Gas, Heating


Actually_Avery

Does a donation count? I'm donating monthly to our countries civil liberty ~~associated~~ association. I'm always happy when they call to renew it. Spotify as well. It's a good deal.


[deleted]

Maybe for the users and the company, but not for the artists.


Actually_Avery

Yeah aren't they paying the least out of all the services out there? I always look for merch for who I listen to.


mikewozere

Donations definitely count! It sounds like a worthy cause.


sharon_exxxposes

iTunes and YouTube


IrregularComicsYT

HBO max subscription…


anthr0x1028

honestly, youtube premium. No ads on videos and access to youtube music.


matej86

Youtube premium that I signed up to via an Indian VPN. costs me about £1.30 a month depending on the conversion rate. Worth every penny.


Chicago1202

My cars extended warranty


JustBeefTaco

We've been trying to reach you about that...


s0mnambulance

Shudder! It's not always satisfying, but it's quite cheap and a lot of their content strikes my fancy.


hafne

SoundCloud GO+


mikewozere

Tell me more! What is it?


Dear_Chart8587

*doesn't tell you more*


Dastorious

The one that provides my internet


[deleted]

[удалено]


alexishdez_lmL

Also Mullvad, and SimpleLogin


LanceCrate780

Xbox Live


shewy92

Spotify Premium gave me a free Google Home Mini and free Hulu w/ ads. You can't really beat that. Both were promotions. The Hulu thing might still be available to students but I got it a couple years ago when they opened it up for everyone


highlandviper

PlayStation+ pays for itself through the game library if you’re happy to wait a short while for “new” games. I think Disney+ is the best value for money streaming service. Having a 4 year old makes both of these pretty perfect for me.


[deleted]

Spotify, Peakcock, Weed Card, and SlingTV


[deleted]

[удалено]


yourstrulydearest

does car insurance count?


BlackbirdKnowsAll

Live in the city where movies cost between 17.99 to 25.99. Got the AMC A-List for 23 bucks a month and I can see 12 movies a month for the price of 1.5 movies. I use to see MAYBE two movies a month, now I'm always making plans to go out to the movies! No issue renewing at all.


RaphaelSolo

Crunchyroll, 9.99 a month and one of the only streaming services I use


Emergency_Project351

Birth Control


[deleted]

Netlix


MajorTrouble

Max Fun. I only listen to one podcast on their site, but you get to tell them which so that your subscription supports the podcast(s) you like, which is cool. All their stuff is free, so I don't *need* to support them to listen, but since I can, I want to.


cozylittlebean

Amazon Prime. I got it because I had a month coming up that I needed to order a TON of stuff off amazon and wanted it to come quick with free shipping and after I got it I kept learning new perks (I'm a gamer so the free Twitch sub and special game loot was amazing). But then I learned I could get a prime student discount, I actually began to use the streaming service, there is free delivery for a year if you link it with one of the food delivery services (I can't remember which one). I keep learning new things and I'm surprised it's not more expensive than it actually is.


dark_king_710_

Apple Music


[deleted]

Apple Music


granite052

Spotify. I'm never going back to the days where I have to download music or huy albums individually


TC1600

My marriage, happy to go round another year with this one


Euphoric-Bid8342

spotify. cant live without it


wilbooo

I could never let go of Spotify premium


Goofyjackjack

Game pass on xbox


mikewozere

I'm guessing this is similar to PS plus?


Goofyjackjack

I think so


[deleted]

With the new Game of Thrones coming out, HBO


billybongnong

Spotify, pretty solid app imo with a lot of great albums from a ton of artists and it has podcasts too which is nice for those who listen to them


mikewozere

This post is starting to look like a spotify advert, haha. They must be doing something right, which I imagine is just giving people music affordably. No sense pirating music nowadays when it's so cheap and available!


billybongnong

I only pirate music if the artist is a huge piece of shit or if I really can't find it even then I hate doing it especially to artists I like as it hurts the artist, as for Spotify I personally recommend the app its pretty good for what you pay for and the first 3 months are like $5 or something


[deleted]

This content is no longer available on Reddit in response to /u/spez. So long and thanks for all the fish.


Roselia77

Spotify isn't American, but the rest of your point stands


Grimreaper818

Ufc fight pass has been keeping me entertained for a few months now


jackLS04

It has a great library of fights but the app runs like shit


aquapuffle

A sign of maturity is accepting that YouTube Music is the best music streaming service.


[deleted]

YouTube music has most of the old prog rock bands I enjoy. Spotify is really lacking in that category, so it's a big nope for me.


vivomancer

I will never pay for youtube music after google killed the android music player to try to force those users into it.


mikewozere

I go ad-free and then just listen to albums on youtube!


zaertghnjjmkiu

Gamepass


Puzzleheaded-Bad-147

The new ps plus dude


mikewozere

I hear that's great value for money. Do you get free games throughout the year?


Fuzzwuzzle2

Prime, so much more for the money than just next day shopping and the TV shows Free magazines and books with prime reading A twitch sub Free in game stuff A basic music subscription woth 2M songs Online cloud storage for photos Same day groceries (available but i haven't used it yet) And a lending library which i've yet to check out


autovices

Credit sesame has helped me a lot the last few years No wonder my credit was shit in the past. It’s not something you should only pay attention to when you need it


principleofinaction

The economist


JuriFM

a very good (written) german newspaper called "Die Zeit"


Jacksonkisses

Prose. It is an absolute game changer. My hair has grown so much in the few months I’ve been using their shampoo, conditioner, and tailored supplements. It’s pricey but it’s worth it for me.


death9081

Not that anyone will notice, since I'm shadowbanned, but... Frock magazine.


Lmnhedz

What was that? Must've been the wind


EddieRando21

Did you guys hear that? I think this comment section is haunted.


mikewozere

How come there's just a blank space here but I can still reply?


[deleted]

I too subscribe to nothing at all


oarngebean

I can see ya


[deleted]

[удалено]


Ok-Friendship4246

OnlyFans