YouTube is expanding its Premium Lite plan to more countries, offering a lower-cost subscription option with limited advertisements, according to reports. Initially, this paywall plan was launched in parts across the world like Europe, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. However, the company decided to withdraw it after two years of testing in 2023. From what is understood, the service seems poised to make a comeback, with the option starting to appear for users in Australia, Germany, and Thailand.
What will be there in YouTube Premium Lite?
YouTube Premium Lite is a scaled-down version of YouTube Premium, designed for users who primarily seek to reduce ads while maintaining access to regular YouTube content. The plan is priced at approximately half of the standard Premium subscription, but unlike the full Premium service, it does not include YouTube Music, offline downloads, or background playback. While Premium Lite previously removed ads entirely, the current iteration shows ‘limited ads’ rather than offering a completely ad-free experience. The plan is available across devices, similar to the full Premium offering with the pricing strategies yet to be disclosed.
How much is YouTube Premium Lite?
As per media reports, Google confirmed that it is actively testing this new version of Premium Lite in the three mentioned countries, though there is no confirmation yet on whether it will expand to additional markets. As Google recently introduced a hike in the pricing strategies for their subscription models, this shift in strategy may reflect Google’s attempt to cater to users looking for a more budget-friendly alternative to Premium. The company’s full Premium plan, which offers YouTube Music and other perks, has over 100 million subscribers globally, but it has recently faced price hikes in various countries, including India, where Premium plans were revised in August 2023. The student plan now costs Rs 89 per month, up from Rs 79, while the Family Plan rose from Rs 189 to Rs 299 per month. The price of the Individual Plan also increased from Rs 139 to Rs 159 per month.
When will YouTube Premium Lite be available in India?
As of now, Google is testing the new versions in select parts of the world. The company has not stated anything, as of now, regarding the release of the Lite model in India.
With these ongoing tests and price adjustments, YouTube appears to be exploring different pricing models to accommodate various user needs while continuing to raise prices for its full Premium offerings. The future of Premium Lite in more markets remains uncertain, but the current tests suggest Google is considering ways to offer a more affordable, ad-reduced option to its growing user base.