YouTube do have a paid option, which doesn't have ads (unless the content creator has some sponsorship deal). It is the subscription service I get the most value from. Based on a few videos from content creators, it also seems like it's a good deal for them. I think Linus Tech Tips phrased something like: It matters much more than you think. Other have shown data suggestion that Premium customers contribute as much as 20 to 30% of the revenue.
Having used a device, not my own, to view videos while not on YouTube Premium, I do have to say: You can't really watch YouTube without the subscription anymore, the experience is just awful.
The paid option is very expensive. I would pay for an ad-free only Youtube, but this option is not available in my country.
I already pay for Spotify and Netflix. So I don't care about other services of youtube premium except ads-free
If you don't need/want YouTube Music, then yes, it's way to expensive. If I where to buy today, I would get the version without YouTube Music, and replace it with a service where more money goes to the artists.
Having used a device, not my own, to view videos while not on YouTube Premium, I do have to say: You can't really watch YouTube without the subscription anymore, the experience is just awful.