Some folks may say the YouTube expertise is being ruined by YouTube Premium value hikes, Google’s more durable stance on advert blocker use, and extra annoying YouTube adverts. However Google is outwardly contemplating a less expensive YouTube Premium model that may embrace restricted adverts.
The YouTube Premium Lite plan isn’t new, as the corporate canceled the earlier model final 12 months. Nonetheless, Google is now testing a brand new Lite model in sure markets. Customers in Australia, Germany, and Thailand have been capable of subscribe to YouTube Premium Lite for lower than half the price of an everyday Premium subscription.
Google confirmed to Android Authority that it’s testing “a distinct model of Premium Lite.” YouTube customers within the aforementioned nations may see the brand new subscription possibility once they join.
A Google spokesperson additionally advised The Verge the YouTube Premium Lite plan has been in testing “with “some customers in Australia, Germany, and Thailand for a number of months (with the latest one starting in Australia firstly of this 12 months). We don’t have anything to share when it comes to a broader rollout right now.”
Lastly, a spokesperson additionally confirmed to Bloomberg that YouTube Premium Lite is being examined, and this time, they teased a wider rollout:
As a part of our dedication to offer our customers with extra alternative and adaptability, we’ve been testing a brand new YouTube Premium providing with most movies ad-free in a number of of our markets. We’re hoping to increase this providing to much more customers sooner or later with our companions’ help.
The check shouldn’t be shocking, contemplating Google teased final summer time that it would provide extra selections to YouTube Premium subscribers. Reviving the Lite possibility is sensible.
Customers from Australia posted final fall screenshots on social media that confirmed the brand new pricing possibility. YouTube Premium Lite prices AUD 8.99 as an alternative of the AUD 16.99 you’d pay for the Premium model. When you subscribe from an iPhone, the costs improve by AUD 3 and AUD 6, respectively.
Not like the earlier model of Lite, the brand new check clearly states that adverts will seem throughout YouTube use. You’ll see them on “music content material and Shorts,” for instance. Customers may additionally see “non-interruptive adverts” once they search and browse” the streaming service.
Getting an ad-based cheaper YouTube tier is sensible, contemplating everybody else is doing it. Hopefully, the adverts gained’t get too loopy.
Additionally, it’s not simply the adverts it’s a must to cope with. YouTube Premium Lite additionally has different downsides. You gained’t get ad-free entry to YouTube Music, help for listening to movies within the background, or downloads.
