YouTube Premium subscribers worldwide are grappling with significant price increases announced by the platform, impacting users in over a dozen countries. This latest round of hikes follows previous adjustments earlier this year, intensifying concerns among subscribers about the rising costs of streaming services.
According to Android Authority report, price increases are particularly pronounced in Europe, with individual and family plans seeing substantial hikes. For instance, in countries like Ireland and the Netherlands, the individual subscription price has risen from €11.99 to €13.99, while family plans have jumped from €17.99 to €25.99. Similar increases have been noted in Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, with some users reporting increases of nearly 60%, especially for those who subscribed via Apple.
These price hikes follow the recent tariff increase that was announced in India only last month. The monthly subscription price for YouTube Premium now costs Rs 299. The Family plan, which enables users to share a single subscription with up to five members, has seen an even steeper increase of 58%. The cost for this plan surged from Rs 189 to Rs 299. Each family member must have their own Google account, ensuring a personalised experience while sharing the subscription benefits.
Additionally, the Student monthly plan has also been affected, with costs rising from Rs 79 to Rs 89, representing a 12.6% increase. The Individual monthly plan has seen a jump from Rs 129 to Rs 149, marking a 15% increase. For users who prefer prepaid options, adjustments include an increase in the Individual prepaid monthly plan from Rs 139 to Rs 159, the prepaid quarterly plan from Rs 399 to Rs 459, and the prepaid annual plan from Rs 1,290 to Rs 1,490.