YouTube is getting ready to introduce a more affordable version of its advertisement-free YouTube Premium subscription that may allow users to stream videos with advertisements on certain types of content, per a report. This new plan may be named YouTube Premium Lite, and it is anticipated to be launched in four countries after undergoing testing for several months. The video and music streaming platform owned by Alphabet has not yet revealed plans to release a less expensive YouTube Premium option or what the potential cost could be.
YouTube Premium Lite Subscribers Could See Ads in Music Videos
According to a source familiar with YouTube’s plans, Bloomberg reports that the company is aiming for a cheaper version of YouTube Premium that will be rolled out soon in Australia, Germany, Thailand, and the U. S. The supposed ‘YouTube Premium Lite’ subscription is expected to be priced at under $13. 99 (approximately Rs. 1,200) per month in the U. S. , which is the rate for the company’s ad-free plan.
Although there has been no indication of how much the YouTube Premium Lite plan may cost, the report mentions that customers who choose this option will encounter advertisements while viewing music videos on the site. Consequently, users wishing to view other kinds of videos on the platform may not see ads unless they are watching a music video.
As stated in the report, the new plan might be advantageous for users who turn to YouTube for tutorials or educational videos, but not for music videos. These users may avoid seeing ads on YouTube if they choose not to engage with music on the streaming platform. However, users desiring to watch music videos without any ads will need to subscribe to YouTube Premium.
An official announcement regarding the introduction of the lower-priced plans is still pending, but a representative from the company has effectively verified that a new plan with “most videos ad-free” has been undergoing testing in various markets. “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,” the spokesperson informed Bloomberg.
It remains uncertain whether (or when) the company plans to expand the YouTube Premium Lite availability to other areas, such as India. Currently, YouTube Premium is offered at Rs. 149 per month (with a student plan available for Rs. 99), while the Premium Family plan costs Rs. 299 monthly. Users also have the option to select a YouTube Music Premium subscription priced at Rs. 119 each month.
