Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$)

[@AncestryAimee]

What do you think about pricing in the industry and specifically Ancestry?

[@patnoble466]

I accept that there are costs to having a hobby like genealogy. I don't play golf or travel annually to far off lands. So I have a budget for my hobby. Plus, if I want the records to come to me instead of me going to the records, I realize that will cost me something. So I appreciate how Ancestry offers so many pricing options. And the price I pay is reasonable for the records as well as the crowd sourcing potentials because so many researchers are on the same site. I have free memberships elsewhere if they are available, and my DNA is on all the major sites. It just annoys me -- not a deal breaker but an annoyance -- that Ancestry has put location searching behind a paywall as if it is a luxury. I will never understand that idea. So, the Ancestry gurus were sitting at a table figuring out their budget and they decided the only way they could afford to do what Crista says is the most demanded feature on Ancestry is to add it at additional cost. It makes sense to them, but not to their customers. SMH.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for adding your perspective. Beautifully said.

[@GenealogyGrandmother]

Overpriced, especially for most people, especially for seniors.

[@publiusvalerius8934]

I see that you do consulting on Ancestry for $35. If I took you up on a consulting session, you could probably show me a lot of things on researching. But I think you would refund my money when I explained to you how I can get Ancestry subscription for a lot less than what you put on the screen there ... the full price. I thought you would maybe know how to save some money, with all your video editing skills and insider info, but you actually don't.

[@roberthowe321]

When my father and cousin did genealogy work 40 years ago. They had to travel to court houses, libraries, town halls, etc. If I had to do that now, I would spend a lot more time and money than my Ancestry membership costs me, and I would have a lot less information. I have also gotten a lot of information and photos though my Ancestry family tree connections and DNA matches. I have far eclipsed the 50 years of work my father did and I now have the documentation to back up what my father did. Yes, it seems like a lot of money, but as far as hobbies goes, I think the cost is reasonable.

[@jessikamoore5033]

They are paywalling almost everything! We will be losing our shared matches, notes and groups and much more! Christa herself said early 2024 you need a membership for shared matches. I am so sick of their crap at this point.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for sharing how you’re feeling about it.

[@sapphireblue7975]

I did not know the notes were disappearing, when does/did that happen? Have not seen an announcement for this and I have a lot of info in notes.

[@AncestryAimee]

I have not seen that either. Crista Cowan uses notes extensively. I would be really surprised to see them put that behind a paywall.

[@jessikamoore5033]

@@AncestryAimee anything below the banner will be paywalled.

[@AncestryAimee]

I honestly don’t think it will come to that but who knows.

[@snailrancher]

Ancestry forgets that their business model is based on their customers’ data that they gave Ancestry without compensation, including DNA. And rather than share a subscription with 4 other users, I’d rather just pay 20% of that cost and just use it myself. Genealogy is now the hobby of the rich.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for sharing your perspective.

[@StPauli57Ghetto]

Its Not possible to get a Test and See the results without any membership ?

[@pattyh2410]

I don’t mind paying a fair price, but the newspapers should be included. It is very frustrating to get a hint, but not able to access it. Similarly, the world option should be more reasonable. They are pricing themselves out of my pocket book.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for sharing. It is frustrating getting that hint and not being able to see it on newspapers.com.

[@ToriTortie]

Great video. I like many of your viewers am on a fixed income too and I cannot afford the full subscription price. What I do is wait for a 50% off sale and get a 6 month subscription. I cancel it when it is ready to renew then re-subscribe when it is on sale again. Usually don't have to wait too long. Last time I didn't even have to wait a month. Just keep checking your Ancestry home page for an offer. It is also good to take a break just to recharge and come back with fresh eyes. Also a great time to get out of the Ancestry box and look at different resources.

[@AncestryAimee]

Love that suggestion! thanks for sharing it with us all!

[@lionheart830]

Yup! This is the only way most seniors on limited budget can afford to get on Ancestry. I do the same as you.

[@LuckyBruin1]

Perhaps it is just semantics, but I pay a lot of money each year for an "All Access Membership," which I am placing in quotes because it is NOT all access anymore. It will be another $120/year to make it all access again, and I'm not doing it. Tree accuracy improves every aspect of the Ancestry experience. Hints, ThruLines, etc. are only as useful as the trees that factor into them. Making tools that help only those who pay for them degrades the experience for everyone.

[@AncestryAimee]

I think there’s a lot of truth to what you say. Ancestry world subscription is about the same price as myheritage (with the DNA). But when you add the ProTools it’s quite a bit more. Crista’s explanation of all access was interesting to me.

[@jholmansky]

@LuckyBruin1 I agree!!!!! I *can* afford the new tools but I refuse to out of principle. I kind of view it as rewarding bad behavior. If we pay $120 more for what we should be getting under our "All Access Membership" that will only encourage Ancestry to put future improvements behind a paywall. Nope. Not gonna do it.

[@bobrader1920]

Actually I think you can save information from Public Library to Thumb drive and then transfer it to your personnel computer.

[@AncestryAimee]

You can. That is true. And I guess the video doesn’t really talk about that. You can do that. I do it all the time.

[@lightyagami3492]

​@@AncestryAimeeI do it all the time when i use my heritage or find my past at the library. I pay for ancestry which i use at home but i use the library for other sites.

[@Elke_KB]

Location names is a big one. Boundaries always change. What is current today may not be in 20 years. Maybe add additional fields for historically correct names based on date. For someone like my dad's family who was from East Prussia, Germany, it feels like a betrayal to my ancestors heritage to write Poland or Russia, when the region was at the time Germany or Prussia and the family was mainly German.

[@davidmotz8233]

Seems like they need two locations fields, one just for mapping.

[@AncestryAimee]

Love the idea of an additional field. I use the description box where I can add more information.

[@mattpotter8725]

I totally agree. As someone who has helped design the backend of systems, mainly for marketing systems though, it's not that difficult to create a database of locations that include dates for when the location existed in a certain country. Crista is right in what she says about modern mapping software only and to recognise modern countries, however this is slightly misleading in that Ancestry's software can always take their own standardized locations (with former countries on them), map them to current countries, and then input this into the modern mapping software they use on their platform, it's really not that difficult to do. In fact borders are always changing, so what is input now might not work in 5, 10, 20 years time, say if Texas seceded from the US (just an example, i think it's likely) then all the records you had in your tree with Texas, USA in it would immediately need to be updated by you, which I think is a ridiculous state for a historical platform dealing in historical records to be in. Maybe they just know that the main countries their subscribers are in, the US, Canada, UK, Australia, are unlikely to change any time soon, but people in these countries often have ancestors from countries that are likely to in the near future, in Africa, Asia, even Europe.

[@wulfslaed]

Thank you for doing this video. I too was confused about what is available at the FH Centers. Ancestry is very expensive and I think adding more for the pro-tools is too much. Pro-tools are things that should be available with regular subscriptions. I didn't know about AARP discount and will be looking for that.

[@AncestryAimee]

Glad it was helpful! Someone else mentioned that contacted Ancestry and got that AARP discount. Good luck! (And thanks for being a channel member)

[@sharipalmer3514]

Thank you for the information. I'm a new subscriber, as an Ancestry account holder for 20+ years, I have thoughts. The company knows they have the biggest database available, but the programming & marketing leaves much to be desired. The users I know are mostly there for the databases. Adding additional features (updates) at an additional $100+ per year sets a precedent that I am NOT thrilled with, All Access should mean just that. The ability to find "errors" in a tree is not a "Pro" feature, IMHO; it's a feature that has been part of FTM for so long as well as fan trees (30 years?)that it really shouldn't have been "extra" features Mapping that has to be done by current location, without the ability to add the original documentation (many times provided by their own sources), is concerning & it really seems that it was an easier way to roll out this "Pro" development. While it is for profit, loyalty to their customers who provide content, it is disappointing and making me think about my renewal options. Just my thoughts.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for stating your thoughts so well. And thanks for subscribing!

[@jholmansky]

I agree with everything you're saying. I'm paying for "All Access" which means I should have access to ALL of their features. There shouldn't be an extra monthly charge. What about Ancestry's loyalty to customers who routinely share pictures and documents on their site? I've shared hundreds of pictures and documents which they turn around and charge people to access. Users like me (and probably you) are providing them with content they're turning a profit on yet they have the audacity to want to charge me extra money for these additional tools AFTER I've been paying for the most expensive plan for years? That's bad business.

[@mariecarpenter3371]

I have been an AllAccess member since 2001. Long time and mucho $. Some years not much activity. Now I am retired and on a fixed income. How about a lower rate for long time membership???

[@christinemiller5360]

Completely agree that they need to honor those of us with long term memberships! I too am retired and on a fixed income and its a struggle.

[@maureentaphouse5206]

Same is true for me in the UK . I'm lazy though and I prefer to do it when it suits me rather than book time at my local Library . @@christinemiller5360

[@AncestryAimee]

Good suggestion! That would seem like a possibility - Ancestry are you listening? Hope so!! 😀

[@deenacaldwell4415]

The AARP discount is for one year only. You can not use it for more than one year is what I was told by Ancestry. Can it be made so you can use your AARP for more than one year? You are still paying a good amount of money.

[@AncestryAimee]

@deenacaldwell4415 I don’t think so. That’s why I had the text come up in the video that it was just for one year (AARP)

[@leighbratcher1998]

Crista as the face of Ancestry is wonderful, she is such a positive person. Thanks for the interview with her.

[@AncestryAimee]

She is! She couldn’t be nicer either. She’s become a good friend. I feel lucky!

[@jholmansky]

"All Access" should mean just that. I'm so disappointed there's an additional charge for these new, extra features. It feels a bit like a bait-and-switch, to be honest.

[@AncestryAimee]

There’s a lot that feel that way. Crista used the phrase all access means all access to content (not tools) but I agree it’s confusing.

[@jholmansky]

@@AncestryAimee And that's exactly why it feels like a bait-and-switch. It's semantics. "Oh, no, no. That's a TOOL. Your access only covers CONTENT."

[@AncestryAimee]

@jholmansky 🤣

[@motherofcatsnz]

Shrinkflation What does shrinkflation mean? shrink·​fla·​tion ˌshriŋk-ˈflā-shən. : the practice of reducing a product's amount or volume per unit while continuing to offer it at the same price. Shrinkflation occurs when companies keep their prices the same, but give you less of their products. Brian O'Connell. It's the inflation you're not supposed to see.

[@deckocards6988]

Thank you so much for putting all this out there! I have had to drop my Ancestry membership this past year because it was getting so expensive. And then I hear about the Pro Tools and the pricing for that... It is unbelievable! I really appreciate your suggestions about doing it for 6 mos to a year to try out and then dropping the membership and using something else to keep working on your tree---like the Family Tree program. Thank you, Aimee!

[@AncestryAimee]

You are so welcome!

[@lynnhettrick7588]

7:55 I started using Ancestry in 1998. I think that was when we got our first computer at home. It was all or nearly all free. I stopped doing genealogy from about 2002 to 2010-ish when my children were babies and young children. Then I noticed that documents were behind paywalls. I started doing genealogy a lot more over the last 4-5 years, now that we're part-time empty-nesters. It's definitely much more expensive!

[@AncestryAimee]

Things sure have changed haven’t they!

[@jylromain6439]

This video has helped a lot. I thought if I cancelled Ancestry I would lose everything. I just can't afford it anymore on a fixed income, even with putting it on hold for two months and then paying for one. But I live close to a family history library which I can go to and hopefully use ancestry as well while there. I like the $5 option too. I will do that. I miss the old days when my husband and I, after getting married in 1970, traveled to funeral homes, tiny towns in New York state, cemeteries, and vital records offices and did our own research. It was so much fun to meet people and see the places where his family had lived. I just wish I had known then that my family was in that area as well. I have family buried in the same graveyard as him but didn't know it. But I don't live on the East coast anymore and no more traveling.

[@AncestryAimee]

Glad this helped. I really understand your thoughts about meeting people. I’ve met some of the most wonderful people through family history!

[@sherilgreen7495]

I too have enjoyed traveling to the places my ancestors lived to research them. Am not able to go to those places anymore.

[@suzannechalifoux8587]

Thank you for this video, very useful to understand the prices of Ancestry and others websites! Even theses explanations, I don’t think I will pay for the pro tools because the price per month is too high. I just wish they would let us have the tools to check our tree out of the pro tools paying option. This is would make our trees better for us but also for the community. And too bad, we can’t have bonus points when we correct the index in the databases… LOL I would have so many bonus points since I correct it every time I see errors to help the community in finding their ancestors.

[@AncestryAimee]

There’s been a lot of comments about some kind of a reward for people that contribute to the tree. I think that’s a brilliant idea. I agree I think that there should be some sort of compensation when you’re having to pay for the service. Ancestry are you listening?

[@joncaron3757]

The Fan chart change was a surprise to me. It was not listed in the pro-tools, but this seems like a very good addition. If the tools keep being added to this plan, then it starts to make sense. It would be nice for Ancestry to provide a way to save if we commit to a year like they do for content subscriptions.

[@AncestryAimee]

I agree - with more tools, it's definitely more valuable. Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@michaelme1548]

I only see one thing in the pro tools that I am interested in, the tree checker, so for me it is over priced. Paying for one month every six months or year is a possibility.

[@lindawilluweit-joy4705]

The fan charts were added some time back. They are not part of Pro Tools--unless you are talking about printing them. I'm not sure if they can do that.

[@joncaron3757]

Pro-tools adds more generations to choose from and showing ancestors color coded by source count and hint count.

[@motherofcatsnz]

I have Family Tree Maker, I like that it is a Ukrainian company, so I am supporting them as well as a great program. I store all my data and I work on my trees there. I feel that Ancestry is pricing itself out of the market and money grubbing as well as shrinkflating (putting less in the packet but keeping the price high). I no longer recommend it to new Genealogists.

[@KennethFunk]

I think what you aren't understanding when people say that their genealogy software does charts etc., is that people are talking about the greed grab with the pro-tools. They aren't claiming that their genealogy software replaces the records portion of Ancestry.

[@AncestryAimee]

No - I do understand that. I also have people saying they can't afford Ancestry and are frustrated with it all together. Agree that the current ProTools can be mostly done with software though. Thanks for adding that Kenneth! I should have been more clear.

[@margaretford1011]

Any service which has been majority acquired by a private equity company quickly sees rising prices. They get rich by making others poor.

[@AncestryAimee]

I don’t know that I agree every PE firm want to make folks poor but they definitely are wanting to make a profit.

[@yahccs1]

The rich charging the poor too much is just what I was thinking the other day - the man who calls saying he'll clean the gutters for £60 - a job which takes him half an hour or less... and I think right I'll have to find 6 more hours work at £10 an hour to get the money back, so I let him do it. Then he says oh some of the tiles are loose and coming down into the gutters - that's another £60 (or at least £40 more) for me putting them back for you to save you spending hundreds on getting roof men in with scaffolding. What a lot £/$ for a 5 minute job, and a lot more hours work I need to find to get the money back, perhaps I'd have to start charging £12 an hour or £15... No that's too expensive for some!! Well I just hope he did something useful with some of that money and didn't spend it all on drink for Christmas. Money down the drain. One more storm with hailstones and the gutters will be full again. Now why was he clearing gutters with his bare hands with all those expensive looking rings on? No doubt earning hundreds a day by looking for a few jobs like that. Beware of men coming to the door wanting work...! Some keep pestering until you say OK and let them do the job. I would rather have spent it on a few more months subscription...! It's a lot better value than having the gutters cleared!

[@JahJahJah444]

Capitolism 🤮

[@JL-lz4xu]

I think the industry in general is overpriced and yes, Ancestry specifically charges a lot for what is offered, they’re all in the same ballpark. We are in this for different things though. We are in it to track a family tree, they are in it to make money. We have to access certain things to verify our research and to do that research, they have those records. And they charge for access to them. You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig. In my opinion, they all could cut prices a bit more. They might even find new subscribers that way.

[@JL-lz4xu]

The library option may work for some, but again, it costs money to get there (if you have a local library) and it’s not research in the comfort of your own home. My own tree offers its own challenges, a Prussian and Scottish ancestry with me living in Canada. $$$

[@AncestryAimee]

Thank you for sharing your perspective. I appreciate it.

[@JLP-abc]

Aimee! You are such a wealth of information. Thank you! A detail I'm still not clear on: if I clip a newspaper article and create a corresponding Fact when I have an all access Ancestry membership, and want to view it later when my membership is paused, can I actually *read* that clipping, (like I'd be able to if it was an actual hard copy clipping)? I think the answer is No, from personal experience, but maybe I "clipped" wrong?? ...TIA!

[@AncestryAimee]

Good question. I think when you create a clipping it is saved to your newspapers.com account and can be viewed when your subscription is no longer active. I’m not sure about what that looks like on Ancestry.

[@JLP-abc]

@@AncestryAimee thank you for taking the time to reply, Aimee. I'll see if I can learn more.

[@kathleenkelley1299]

Aimee -Thanks for this great comparison video and thanks to Crista for her explanations. I personally love Ancestry. I have tried the other pay sites and just not as user friendly. My best discoveries including DNA relatives have been on Ancestry. Researching my Family history makes me happy so I work costs into my monthly budget.

[@AncestryAimee]

You are so welcome! Glad to hear you are so happy with Ancestry! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@ChaiLatte13]

Please ask Crista why shared matches are considered an advanced feature? This is ridiculous if this change was intended and not just a bug.

[@AncestryAimee]

From what I see, right now you can see shared matches without additional charges whether or not you have a subscription to one of their memberships. You cannot see them separated by parent. That is an additional charge currently $30 a year in the U.S. for DNA plus or you can sign up for their records membership like World Explorer. I did see that they have a note now saying that “We're making some changes. Soon, you'll need a membership to view the features below this banner.” This may mean they will charge in the future. I sure hope not. I think that would be a mistake.

[@deb9982]

I'm fairly new. I would for you to touch about GEDCOM exports. Thanks for an awesome educational video!

[@AncestryAimee]

Great suggestion! I’ll add it to my list.

[@OldSchool-dr5ql]

Thank you for a very detailed explanation of options with no bias towards any particular service.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thank you! Glad you liked the video and it was helpful to you.

[@michaelelsier30]

Thank you . Great info.

[@AncestryAimee]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kathleensnow5358]

Thank you soo much for these 2 videos about Ancestry. They are very informative and helpful. Happy holidays!

[@AncestryAimee]

You are so welcome! Happy holidays to you too!

[@klivey]

It would be nice if they offered a discount to AMAC members as well as AARP

[@AncestryAimee]

I think that would be a long shot given its political position (unless I don’t understand AMAC).

[@ggjr61]

@@AncestryAimeeAARP has a political position too hence the existence of AMAC. It sounds like what you’re saying is Ancestry shares AARP’s political position not AMAC’s.

[@AncestryAimee]

@ggjr61 honestly no idea. I’ve never heard of AMAC and I would imagine AARP is larger. That may be why. It’s a larger group and worth the bother to set up the discount?

[@lewischasen]

They ask too much. We do the research. We post the photos. We are the hidden person, why? All information is publicly accessible and free else were. Js, Technically, we are the decendants or person, and ancestry is profiting off us free. Shouldn't we deserve royalties if the info isnt free access?

[@AncestryAimee]

I understand your many of your thoughts. There is a cost to obtain the records and make an agreement with the repository that holds them and then to scan them and index them. If they didn’t go to the trouble to obtain them you would have to visit the location yourself or worse some records have been destroyed due to weather or just to make room for newer stuff.

[@lewischasen]

again, it's public access, meaning we do not have to make a trip. It's our families history not yours, you didn't upload anything we did the users or OUR relatives. Also if anscestry is that deserving of pay, why does it keep trying to link me to Mexicans because my gg was ramer (originally römer). Or my g-gran side being impossible to find in your logs beyond what was uploaded public records or what my family posted. Js if you do all the leg work claimed, then why am doing the work and being expected to pay for information already known.

[@DAKOTADIVA1965]

AGREED. Profiting off the little person who is ADDING family information, stored documents and photos, and then CHARGING us for it.

[@neridah3829]

I have been an Ancestry member for many years in latter years I have not always been financial enough to have a current subscription. While I understand that you cannot access a link to records which I find really annoying since I may have spent many years and dollars researching to find that record. I think yes if you are searching without a current subcription and find a new record, yes okay no access to the link but if you have previously found and attached it to your tree it should be always available seen as you spent all that money to find it in the first place. My second beef is I manually typed information in facts under an ancestors profile myself and every now and them Ancestry wipes the information that may match what is on a record that you need a link for....really annoying and down right mean.

[@AncestryAimee]

I didn’t know they did that with manual information. If you get FamilyTree Maker when you sync your tree it pulls down the image of the record. You’d then have that in your computer. I think you have to have a current subscription though but I’m not sure. I do understand your frustration though and see your reasoning.

[@VictoriaReginaAnn]

Newspapers is not the full site is what I read, is this true? I enjoy and learn from your videos.

[@davidmotz8233]

Also, if you search and find something on a "published extra" page you can't open, scroll all the way down the page. Any saved clips show up at the bottom of the page and there is an OCR button so you may be able to at least read the text of the article. Sometimes the OCR text is pretty good and sometimes it's just garbage, I guess depending on how clear the image is.

[@AncestryAimee]

I thought it was access to the full site. Great tip David! Thanks!!

[@joncaron3757]

It is now a full Publishers Extra subscription. That improved access occured 1 or 2 years ago

[@AncestryAimee]

thanks Jon

[@judithmillershanner5583]

Ancestry has become VERY MUCH more expensive since it was bought by a private equity company. They will jack up prices for no other reason than the fact that they can.

[@AncestryAimee]

I don’t know that I disagree. I think that holds true for most businesses.

[@GenealogyGrandmother]

I really appreciate your insight on these new tools. At first, I thought, they are just trying to milk me for more money, and in a way they are. I see the new tools' value and understand development cost money. Your suggestion in the first video of using it as much as possible for a month or two makes sense. Decisions must be made, maybe after Christmas. Merry Christmas!

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for adding in your thoughts!

[@suzee_]

Great video ! Very helpful . And I'll definitely get that AARP discount ! I didn't know that!

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks! Glad it has helped you!

[@lionheart830]

At times I get to a record that only displays what appears to be an index card with the name and sometimes date on it. No other information. I have no idea why this shows up but I can't consider it a record.

[@AncestryAimee]

Look at the source information. That will give you more information. Or click on the record group name and read the description.

[@lionheart830]

@AncestryAimee Sorry but there isn't a source at times. I'm going to screen shot it next time. I'll try to send to you.

[@cherylmoody7833]

This video was very helpful! Thanks, it helps me make choices.

[@AncestryAimee]

I’m really glad to hear that! Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@Virginiafamilies]

I wish they would edit the Charts and Forms so that in parentheses or a footnote showing the Census record (that one would save in the facts area from Ancestry suggestions) and website links to familySearch that one has labeled (ex. Charles County, Md, Will Book D, p. 47)

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@debs5528]

I did not know about the AARP discount. I called immediately and now have a better deal on Ancestry. Thank you to Krista for the info and to you for sharing it! I just wish they would offer it on the family plan. Where do I find Family Tree Maker? Looks like there are a lot of scam websites trying to sell it. I was connected to a man with a thick East Indian accent named "Michael" and a woman, also with that accent, named "Jenny". I ultimately decided they were scamming me. So sad we have to be so suspicious and careful these days. Great content, by the way.

[@AncestryAimee]

That's FANTASTIC! And in regard to FamilyTreeMaker - that's so frustrating! It's a Mackiev product: www.mackiev.com/ftm/

[@debs5528]

@@AncestryAimee Thanks!

[@sr2291]

My Heritage needs to have a monthly option. I wait until they all, including DNA sites, have sales before I order.

[@AncestryAimee]

Great suggestions!

[@yahccs1]

I agree!, I just set up a free account there because someone on KZbin said you can upload Ancestry DNA files on there and find new matches. I decided to build a new tree on it from scratch but it soon got almost filled up - only room for 250 people on it... [nowhere near enough for uploading a GEDcom file) I didn't mind too much that there was a one off fee for accessing DNA results and match list info, but then there is little else to do on there for free after that. I don't want to pay for a whole year subscription on there just to be able to see other people's trees and send messages. Most of the subscription is for building the tree and accessing records which I've already done a lot of on Ancestry. I might be tempted to subscribe if you could just pay for 1 month - or maybe even up to 3. Just to be able to send messages to a few DNA cousins where I have worked out how we are related! But they would only get messages or be able to reply if they are also subscribed. I don't think it's worth it...!

[@sr2291]

@yahccs1 My Heritage has databases you can search, but I, too, am unwilling to pay for a full subscription to try them out.

[@AncestryAimee]

@yahccs1 thanks for sharing your perspective and thoughts. Hope MyHeritage is listening!!

[@nellanddudley]

Could you please let Crista know that it would be great if there was an indication on the dashboard for a family tree that would let us know whether the Gallery and Facts have content. Another great video. I'll be going after the AARP discount 😊

[@reejan8109]

You're lucky to be in the US...no such discounts exist for the rest of the world (although there are seniors everywhere!).

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for the suggestion about gallery and facts.

[@AncestryAimee]

Yeah. Sorry about that one. I think the student discount is worldwide. Wanna go back to school?? 😉

[@nellanddudley]

@@AncestryAimee Sorry, I should have said Notes not Facts.

[@AncestryAimee]

Notes do show on the profile page. The icon is at the top there. But could see the value on the tree (like DNA symbol). Good thought!

[@Olipopsical]

I left ancestry when someone tagged a photo of mine to their tree and their tree had nothing to do my family. I reached out to ancestry about it as there was no way to untag the photo and they were really unhelpful - so the photo remains in someone else's tree who in unrelated. Having recently logged back on I saw that most things are now blurred to me so that's me finally done with them.

[@AncestryAimee]

Good point about photos. You should be careful of those because they can be wrong. That is frustrating.

[@Thorned_Rose]

With regards to the location issues - a simpler solution would be to store locations alongside the longitude/latitude (GPS) coordinates. Mapping software wouldn't then need to be solely reliant on location names but would instead use long lat with the place name as a label.

[@AncestryAimee]

Good thought. Not sure why they haven’t done that. I suspect it’s an entry issue for regular folks when they are building their trees.

[@janetbottomley6304]

I havent got a subscription but my cousin has done our family tree extensively but I cant even look at his tree or any documentations.So Im finding it a bit difficult to build my tree. I sent a dna test in on the 29th Nov they only have just recieved it so its going to be ages before getting any results.

[@AncestryAimee]

Yeah. DNA tests are slow around the holidays! Reach out to your cousin and ask him to share it with you. Viewing only privileges.

[@georgekeen7250]

Your blouse/top/sweater in this video really matches your eyes beatifully

[@AncestryAimee]

Oh thank you George! And thanks for being a channel member!

[@ashleymitts]

I already knew this information about the library Ancestry version

[@AncestryAimee]

Glad to hear it!

[@LeAllysonMeyer]

This video is excellent. It clarified so much. I use ancestry a lot. I did not know I could get a discount as an AARP member. not sure if I can now since I have had an Ancestry account for over 5 years, but it is worth checking into. 😊

[@AncestryAimee]

Glad it was helpful! Hope you can get a discount - I would sure try and contact them! And thanks for being a member of the channel!!!

[@debs5528]

You surely can. I have had a paid Ancestry account for years but I just called and got the AARP discount.

[@AncestryAimee]

Did everyone hear that!?!?!

[@ffmedic1638]

Please elaborate on how to get the discount. You had to call AARP?@@debs5528

[@warpedweft9004]

It's always been too expensive. It's priced itself out of the reach of most people.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for commenting.

[@katherinebopp8819]

I just talked to Ancestry today and was told that the offers do vary by the person who has the membership. The offer I see may not be the offer someone else would see. The offers do also vary during the year and what you find one day, may not be there the next day.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for sharing this information, it's good to know.

[@lindawilluweit-joy4705]

I'd like to know more about the Family Subscription Plan. If I and 4 friends all have existing Ancestry accounts, can our accounts be linked together for the Family Plan?

[@AncestryAimee]

I don’t know. Give Ancestry a call and let me know what you learn. Great question!

[@BillTxn]

This has been a very helpful video -- thank you.

[@AncestryAimee]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pamelastrand569]

Although expensive, I have found Ancestry to be quite useful. I don't like the new add-ons but I'll keep it. Utilize gift memberships!!! Thanks Amie!!!❤

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks Pamela!

[@Chercheure_Indépendante]

From 17:45 it was useful for me. Thank you.

[@AncestryAimee]

Good. Thanks!

[@JDAnnyInskeep]

Can you add your family tree to find my past? I would like to do it automatically.

[@AncestryAimee]

You can. You can download a GEDCOM file from your genealogy program or from Ancestry and upload it.

[@KeatingChick]

I wonder if Ancestry will ever have a subscription discount for seniors through AMAC.

[@AncestryAimee]

I know they do with AARP but I think it’s the only one. You could call them.

[@mattpotter8725]

I have no problem Ancestry putting new exciting innovative tools behind a paywall, but I think searching your tree by location should just be a basic feature on the platform, in fact I'm shocked it wasn't (and as a software developer I know a simple additional search isn't difficult to add), other new additional tools i wholeheartedly think should need to be paid for. One thing I will give Christa kudos for is mentioning the free records that are available on Ancestry that you don't need a membership for. There are more than you think and not everyone knows about this.

[@AncestryAimee]

Great perspective. Thanks Matt!

[@JLP-abc]

I want to be able to search my own tree for ANY text. For example, let's say that I know that someone was a teacher, but I can't remember who. As I build my tree, I manually add everything I can (such as occupation) from census records, for example, to the corresponding fact. Soooo, I want to be able to search my tree for "teacher". It seems so basic for the subscription price we pay. Mentioning it here in case you, Matt, or any other reader has any tips for me. 🙂

[@AncestryAimee]

@JLP-abc LOVE that!!! Great suggestion!!

[@doriskeil-shamieh8852]

Ancestry is too expensive. The only thing that matters to me is the records. I don't need anything fancy, and I will not be paying for any Pro tools on the website. I am thinking of building a tree locally on my computer and start researching offline at state and federal archives.

[@AncestryAimee]

You certainly can do that! Look at FamilyTreeMaker as it will allow you to download your tree and the documents saved - be sure to look at the end of the video with info on that. Don't forget you can look at Ancestry's records at your local library or FamilySearch Satellite Libraries.

[@doriskeil-shamieh8852]

Thank you.

[@Anonymous-dh4id]

⁠RootsMagic can also sync if you’re okay with manually approving changes.

[@AncestryAimee]

@Anonymous-dh4id thanks for adding that!

[@ginkat1318]

Maybe Blackstone can't wait at all to get some money back out

[@AncestryAimee]

Could be. It’s a business for them and they want it to be profitable.

[@WendyLSchmidtPhantomPoetess]

Forget aarp. If your over 65 you should get a lower price because seniors add a lot of info. to share.

[@AncestryAimee]

Good point

[@ashleymitts]

The only thing taht i find anoying about the free vs paid Ancestry is i think they need to make it so that we can view and save other peoples photos so as not to have multiple photo hints of the same photo.

[@AncestryAimee]

Wish they would fix that. I know they are working on it. It would help if people wouldn’t re-upload images. That’s how the multiple photo thing happens.

[@JLP-abc]

@@AncestryAimee Good to know. I was wondering about that. I'm very glad to hear they are working on it. I assume AI will make that a lot easier for them.

[@jestewart5863]

can I switch my membership to AARP without changing accounts - I have years of work in the present account but need to save $$

[@AncestryAimee]

You'll have to call Ancestry. Some folks have said Ancestry gave them the discount; however, I think it is only for one year.

[@MrBarry10]

I have All Access in Ancestry and I have Complete in MyHeritage. Is that too much or do I all of this info. Thanks

[@AncestryAimee]

That’s a good question. I think it’s a matter of how much you’re using both programs. If I were trying to save money, maybe I would do one for a while and then stop it and then do the other. On either program you can have your tree there for free. It’s just a matter of access to records.

[@user-wj8gd9gl8y]

Great info- thanks

[@AncestryAimee]

You bet!

[@cogneurolove]

So, are the additional 15 billion records being added in 2024 or have they already been added?

[@AncestryAimee]

I think that was 2023. Remember a record is one person though so it’s not like it’s 15 billion record groups. It’s records.

[@A-C100]

They just updated the genetic communities; not sure it was an improvement as they added but also took some away. I think a combination of the before and after would have been correct. I think their competitor does a better job in that area.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for adding that insight!

[@MrBarry10]

How much is MyHeritage complete

[@AncestryAimee]

Right now I’m seeing $299 a year in the U.S. Not sure what it was when I filmed the video.

[@Alan-lv9rw]

Maybe someone can answer: Ancestry says I’m 100% Irish, but I’ve traced my family to the year 1700 and it’s all English. I guess they all came to England from Ireland before 1700?

[@AncestryAimee]

I rarely see anyone 100% anything! I would want to look at your results. If you want to set up a coaching session, we can go over it. Visit www.patreon.com/aimeecross/membership.

[@suellenw561]

I am not impressed by some of the conclusions arrived at by ancestry's AI. The 1940 census shows my grandfather as Head of Household, his wife, my Dad as his son, Dad's sister as daughter of HOH, Dad's half-sister as HOH's daughter, a step-son & a step-daughter. This information is all correct. However, ancestry has concluded that Dad's father's wife was Dad's mother. She was not. She was also not his full sister's mother. I even reported this to an ancestry employee but the incorrect conclusion remains on the website. AI also messed up my name which is cleary written on the 1950 census. I've corrected it where I can but apparently it's not showing in the right places since I've seen it picked up by several people on their trees. I know people should be checking other sources, but some aren't. I could pretend to be "Julien" but I'm not. I wonder how many other people are experiencing the same concerns.

[@AncestryAimee]

There are always indexing issues. The one you mentioned often happens though when a man remarries. He is listed as head of household and the children are attributed to his second wife. It’s a census issue not the AI.

[@suellenw561]

@@AncestryAimee . How can the error of calling her his mom be a census issue if the enumerator asked the right questions & wrote down the right answers? Dad’s relationship is indeed son of the Head of Household. It’s the AI that assumed his step-mother to be his mother. I talked with a distant cousin about this issue. He has members of his more immediate family that have the same mistaken connections.. wouldn't it be better if ancestry didn't make these assumptions? There's too many people out there using these assumptions as fact without checking for the truth.

[@AncestryAimee]

It’s not ancestry. All of the programs tend to make that assumption. They see the record and they see the mother listed and they assume that’s the mother of that child. The enumerators didn’t ask about the relationship to mother, just head of house. A lot of folks make the assumption you are frustrated about. But it’s not an ancestry issue. It happens on all sites.

[@suellenw561]

@@AncestryAimee I know there are lots of videos about not believing everything you see on other people's trees but how about one on not believing what you see as assumptions made of relationships like this in particular?

[@AncestryAimee]

Good thought. I should hit it in a video.

[@lukebaker2028]

It's funny how ancestry made a huge deal about how building a family tree is free and only 6 months later they want me to pay premium to build my tree.

[@AncestryAimee]

You should be able to build the tree for free, but access to the records is what costs and it’s kind of hard to build a tree without records.

[@ashleymitts]

I think i maybe the only one who thinks its not alot of money for what Ancestry offers. I mean its very tideous to have to scan all of these old documents. If it was just uploading from a computer or another internet source that yesbi guess it would be alot. But i do think the money is what helps to pay for the uploading of all of these old records.

[@AncestryAimee]

I agree you get access to a lot of amazing records. Thanks for adding your perspective.

[@voiceofreason4907]

People may have either time or money. If you have money, it's worth the time saved to pay for a service. If you don't have money, but have time to go through records, that may be a better value.

[@AncestryAimee]

@voiceofreason4907 good point!

[@reejan8109]

Sometimes I wish Ancestry would 'grandfather' existing subscriptions...meaning: a few years ago you could have as many dna kits registered on your account as you wanted, then they made it so each kit had to be registered to a unique account, now the dna results are hidden behind a 2 step verification process. My dna results are on my sister's account - have been for years! I can no longer look at them (sure, I used to be able to 'cheat' and log in as my sister)! I'll have to be invited to view my own results!! That's messed. The family membership they're offering...bit ott on the price for that! If you're a family, you're all searching for the same ancestors so why almost double the price?

[@AncestryAimee]

The 2 step verification was added because of the 23 and Me breach. Thanks for commenting though!

[@mattpotter8725]

Even though the DNA kits have to be registered on a unique account you can still have them managed by one (and still visible from that one the kit is first linked to). It's a bit of a faff to set up, but I've always done this (albeit I only tested my grandpa 4 years ago). You just need to go into the DNA settings to change who is managing the kit and then you don't need to be logging in and out with all this 2 factor verification.

[@mattpotter8725]

@@AncestryAimee I do understand this, but surely how secure your data is should be up to you and not forced you you off you don't want it? There should be an option to say you don't want 2 factor authentication, even though it's the default option. I think every other website I've ever used that has implemented this does that.

[@mattpotter8725]

You can also share DNA results to other accounts and even give complete control (I think there are 3 settings - viewer, collaborator, or manager) so both accounts can still have full visibility the kit and the results. I've been doing this quite a lot recently. I do agree the 2 factor authentication is a pain, and if you wanted to you should be able to turn it off, to opt out, but there are ways around this that isn't so painful.

[@reejan8109]

@@AncestryAimee I know why (I'm an SA), it's just really messed things up for me (and a lot of other people who have commented in the DNA groups).

[@DouglasInman1]

Thank you so much

[@AncestryAimee]

No problem

[@lizzysbeautyshowetc.6895]

I am so disgusted with ancestry what I was doing for free now they're saying that coming forth I will not be able to use these features unless I have an ancestry membership which means I have to pay for it unbelievable

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for commenting.

[@lightyagami3492]

Agreed. I think that whatever you paid for at the time of subscription and what was free at the time you took the DNA test should be grandfathered in if changes are made. Example the shared matches tool. That should be free for me since i took my DNA test in 2020.

[@AncestryAimee]

@lightyagami3492 I like that thought.

[@RobertWWD]

After finding out my Grandpa’s name editing it because I first spelled Dan I had no idea my Grandpa’s name was actually Daniel it was a good guess anyways it’s sad I can’t put his Parents in the Family Tree because of that Premium nonsense. I want to at least fill out to my 4th Great Grandfather who was in the Civil War.

[@AncestryAimee]

You can add the information manually into a tree for free. You just can’t utilize or look at their records.

[@herbsmith1985]

Very well done Aimee. As opposed to some of your counterparts, I thought your presentation was much more objective.

[@AncestryAimee]

I appreciate that. Thanks! Please subscribe! 😀👍

[@shamusosullivan5650]

Searching for location - give us more custom tags!

[@AncestryAimee]

Love that suggestion!

[@annacatherinesendgikoski1965]

So, are you saying that Ancestry owns public records?

[@AncestryAimee]

No. But they need to expend the money to digitize them and index them and then store those images on servers and make the technology available for you to access them. The same holds true for MyHeritage and FamilySearch.

[@annacatherinesendgikoski1965]

@@AncestryAimee Ms. Cowan just said that they acquire the records. That says to me they own them. That also sounds like a gate keeping issue.

[@annacatherinesendgikoski1965]

@AncestryAimee I've been researching family records since 1992. At first, I found Ancestry an interesting resource. We were always told that the Mormon records were unreliable. Then, when Ancestry came on the scene, people fell all over themselves to join. Heck, I joined and am currently a member. It took a while for the facts about Ancestry to come out, but I remember them having to do some damage control when it was published that they were Mormon owned. There were records that were not easily accessed, such as Black History, LGBTQIA+ History, and even Women's Herstory! Catholic History was supposedly scquelched too, but that may have been the church that did that! Cyndi's List has been a wonderful resource that is free. The problem I have seen is that some of her links are now leading to secondary resources that are pay walled. It irks me to have to pay for a free resource!

[@AncestryAimee]

@annacatherinesendgikoski1965 I can see that. Great question/comment. They actually acquire the rights to show them on their site but the government entity still owns the original record.

[@donquique1]

Ancestry is making the same mistakes that any company bought by hedge funds makes, either sell the company on parts or paywall everything. They paywall matches i will remove my tree and my dna from the server. At that point ancestry will be pointless to use in any capacity. Less website traffic, less subscription fees. Is not l ike they have updated caribbean records in over 13 years. Ugh.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for sharing. I hope they realize this market is a bit different than others.

[@petermclean9545]

Why does it take so long to find out a family tree. If someone just really wants to know where the family came from It takes a year to find that out. Seems like they all drag there feet to collect a persons money it sounds like a scam a legal way to take a persons money.

[@AncestryAimee]

It does take a while to figure out your family tree. Sometimes years. It’s a hobby. You play golf, you pay.

[@PragmaticPerson]

Overpriced for someone like me who works full time and only accesses it once in a while. I ask for a 6-month membership for Christmas and then let it lapse for 6 months. Maybe when I’m retired and I spend time doing research, but I spend time watching these videos rather than actually doing my research, mostly because I hit brick walls and get discouraged.

[@AncestryAimee]

Yeah. It is expensive. I understand when you don’t have a lot of time too. For years when I was in the throes of kids I only did it a bit too. I do like the sharing option now. It doesn’t have to be “family”

[@debbieroot4618]

I downloadthe record to a thumbdrive

[@debbieroot4618]

And up load it onto my laptop.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks Debbie for sharing what works for you!!

[@SMGAPR8]

Same as newspapers, always more hearts and purses to bleed from death and obituaries, and higher chance and option to rewrite history.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@fabianmckenna8197]

I have my tree on Family Tree Maker and use Scotlands People for my records so don't need Ancestry for my genealogy . Tried it once using the freebie and found that apparently dozens of my Scottish born ancestors had gained American citizenship which was a shock for my mother's family dating back to about 1740. One occasion had her grandmother married in New York with five kids by the age of 12 before miraculously dying in Scotland before the birth of her own mother! My own grandfather Francis with correct birth details had his name feminised, married and gave birth to several children before dying with correct death details. Called it a day after that nonsense.

[@AncestryAimee]

🤣 Was that in other trees?? Haha. Another example of… don’t copy other trees!!

[@debathor9346]

The fact they took away tools like shared matches, chromosome maps etc. from people who did DNA tests long time ago is absurd🤦🏼‍♂️

[@AncestryAimee]

You’re not alone in that thought. They do have to fund the site and those features but I’m disappointed that so many things just went behind paywalls.

[@deerhaven3350]

Interesting that my anti Ancestry response to this upload about an hour ago has been removed. Makes me think that Aimee Cross only wants positive information about Ancestry posted here, and any opposing views are erased.

[@AncestryAimee]

I haven't removed any responses - as you can see there are negative ones here too. KZbin will remove things that violate their policies or they think are spam - not sure what you said, but it must have gotten flagged.

[@richardoneal1055]

Charging for user interface features that others give away free. Ancestry should add a chromosome browser and triangulation DNA matching.

[@AncestryAimee]

You're right - others are giving it away without extra charges and you're not alone in your requests for DNA tools!

[@laZOETje]

I am finding it al, stupidly expensive and greedy. Early days they had volunteers entering data, and we still must pay to view our own record information. It’s pay to benefit their purposes.😮

[@AncestryAimee]

I didn’t know they used volunteers in the beginning. Someone else mentioned that. I think there ought to be something for those who did that. Thanks for sharing.

[@truthhurts5158]

I don t like Ancestery. If you have multiply DNA kits. They donb t let you put them together. So if you want to do research on them all. You have to pay for membership on them all. My Heritage I have 7 kits under one name 1 price

[@AncestryAimee]

I actually didn't know that about MyHeritage. If you have an Ancestry membership you can share kits and you can look at all the stuff you'd have to pay for separately. For instance, if a client shares their DNA with me, I can use the tools my membership gives me (parent 1 & 2 and all that jazz). Thanks for adding that information though! Happy holidays.

[@staceycoates1418]

I manage seven kits and have access to another 3 or 4. The kits I manage I have the same access to tools.

[@truthhurts5158]

@@staceycoates1418 I have my kit on ancestery. I ordered one for my brother to find his biological father, They told me I could not put them on the same account. I would have to make an account for my brothers, So I joined ancestery for my brothers but to do both I would have had to pay for both.I would have to pay about 329 dollars a year, 389 dollras a year on my Heritage Premiunim membership for 8 kits to manage

[@Chequr_Prostate]

Everyone should boycott it, no customers no business. Move across to another then drop them.

[@AncestryAimee]

I understand your frustration but… they have the biggest DNa database and many records not found elsewhere. I wish they would look at pricing options more.

[@WendyLSchmidtPhantomPoetess]

all of a sudden they won't let me see hints without a paying subscription. Access for free (which it wasn't because I did my DNA through them) gets worse and worse every year. I'll find a friend with access.

[@AncestryAimee]

That’s news to me. I didn’t know they had stopped hints. Thanks for sharing that.

[@migranthawker2952]

Because they know people are stupid enough to pay it!!!

[@AncestryAimee]

I appreciate you sharing your thoughts.

[@toniasalways]

Because they know people will pay it because they want the information. It's amazing what you can find for free at familysearch using the hints page from your ancestry person.

[@AncestryAimee]

True - FamilySearch is a overlooked resource!

[@outb4thecount]

Chromosome Browser

[@AncestryAimee]

😃👍

[@RadCenter]

I think Ancestry is worth every penny.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for adding your thoughts.

[@deenacaldwell4415]

Absolutely!! To go to let's sat the Family History Library in Salt Lake City for 7 days to do research, it will cost nearly triple what it costs for a yearly All Access package. That is hotel, transportation to get there, food for a week, etc. for 7 days. Same if you need to travel to a courthouse to get records abd then they charge $21 to get a copy of the record.

[@AncestryAimee]

@deenacaldwell4415 such a good point!

[@Snow-rr7nj]

Supremacist?

[@AncestryAimee]

I don’t think that’s Ancestry’s position

[@purpshiso]

why no mention of wikitree? It's a great site, totally free and there are no duplicate trees.

[@AncestryAimee]

I should have included that. Thanks for adding it.