YouTube’s New Budget-Friendly Plan: What You Need to Know
YouTube is gearing up to launch a more budget-friendly version of its Premium subscription plan, called YouTube Premium Lite . According to a recent report, this new plan will offer ad-free streaming for selected content, catering to users who primarily watch non-music videos. Unlike the full Premium plan, the Lite version will exclude music videos, which will still include advertisements.
The details, reported by Bloomberg, suggest that the Premium Lite plan will initially be available in four countries: Australia, Germany, Thailand, and the US. While the exact pricing is yet to be confirmed, the Lite plan is expected to cost under $13.99 (approximately Rs 1,200) per month in the US.
What Does YouTube Premium Lite Offer?
The Premium Lite plan is designed for users who consume non-music content, such as podcasts and how-to videos. It provides an affordable alternative to YouTube’s full Premium plan, which includes additional features like YouTube Music and offline downloads.
A YouTube spokesperson told Bloomberg: “As part of our commitment to provide our users with more choice and flexibility, we've been testing a new YouTube Premium offering with most videos ad-free in several of our markets.”
However, the Lite plan will not include some of the Premium plan’s key features, such as offline downloads and background play. It’s also unclear when the plan will be rolled out to other regions, including India.
Current Pricing in India
In India, YouTube Premium currently costs Rs 149 per month, while the Family plan is priced at Rs 299 per month. For users interested solely in music, YouTube Music Premium is available for Rs 119 per month.
A Familiar Strategy
This isn’t the first time YouTube has experimented with a Lite plan. In 2021, the company introduced a similar plan in several European markets, priced at EURO 6.99 (approximately Rs 632). However, the plan was phased out in 2023. Now, YouTube is reportedly reviving the Lite plan, targeting specific regions with a focus on affordability and flexibility.
New Features for Premium Users
In addition to the Lite plan, YouTube has recently rolled out several new features for its Premium subscribers. These include:
These updates aim to enhance the user experience for Premium subscribers, offering more convenience and advanced functionality.
The Bottom Line
YouTube Premium Lite is poised to be a game-changer for users who want an ad-free experience without the added cost of music and other premium features. While it may not include all the bells and whistles of the full Premium plan, it offers a practical and affordable option for those who primarily watch non-music content.
As YouTube continues to expand its subscription offerings, the Premium Lite plan reflects the company’s commitment to providing more choices for its diverse user base. Whether you’re a podcast enthusiast or a how-to video fan, this new plan could be the perfect fit for your viewing habits—and your wallet.
The details, reported by Bloomberg, suggest that the Premium Lite plan will initially be available in four countries: Australia, Germany, Thailand, and the US. While the exact pricing is yet to be confirmed, the Lite plan is expected to cost under $13.99 (approximately Rs 1,200) per month in the US.
What Does YouTube Premium Lite Offer?
The Premium Lite plan is designed for users who consume non-music content, such as podcasts and how-to videos. It provides an affordable alternative to YouTube’s full Premium plan, which includes additional features like YouTube Music and offline downloads.
A YouTube spokesperson told Bloomberg: “As part of our commitment to provide our users with more choice and flexibility, we've been testing a new YouTube Premium offering with most videos ad-free in several of our markets.”
However, the Lite plan will not include some of the Premium plan’s key features, such as offline downloads and background play. It’s also unclear when the plan will be rolled out to other regions, including India.
Current Pricing in India
In India, YouTube Premium currently costs Rs 149 per month, while the Family plan is priced at Rs 299 per month. For users interested solely in music, YouTube Music Premium is available for Rs 119 per month.
A Familiar Strategy
This isn’t the first time YouTube has experimented with a Lite plan. In 2021, the company introduced a similar plan in several European markets, priced at EURO 6.99 (approximately Rs 632). However, the plan was phased out in 2023. Now, YouTube is reportedly reviving the Lite plan, targeting specific regions with a focus on affordability and flexibility.
New Features for Premium Users
In addition to the Lite plan, YouTube has recently rolled out several new features for its Premium subscribers. These include:
- High-Quality Audio
- Picture-in-Picture for YouTube Shorts
- Jump Ahead on the Web
- Smart Downloads for YouTube Shorts
- Faster Playback Speed on Mobile
- Ask Music and Conversational AI on iOS
These updates aim to enhance the user experience for Premium subscribers, offering more convenience and advanced functionality.
The Bottom Line
YouTube Premium Lite is poised to be a game-changer for users who want an ad-free experience without the added cost of music and other premium features. While it may not include all the bells and whistles of the full Premium plan, it offers a practical and affordable option for those who primarily watch non-music content.
As YouTube continues to expand its subscription offerings, the Premium Lite plan reflects the company’s commitment to providing more choices for its diverse user base. Whether you’re a podcast enthusiast or a how-to video fan, this new plan could be the perfect fit for your viewing habits—and your wallet.
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