YouTube has begun testing its Premium Lite subscription package again. This low-cost subscription option was first tested in Europe back in 2021, but it was removed in October 2023. Now, a new version is being tested in Australia, Germany, and Thailand.
YouTube officials state that this new version will include limited ads, with most videos remaining ad-free. However, advertisements may appear in music content and Shorts. Additionally, there may be uninterrupted ads during search and browsing.
While the old Premium Lite subscription was solely focused on removing ads, the new version appears to have changed this approach. The previous Lite package did not offer features like offline viewing or background playback, and these options are absent in the new version as well. Ad-free access to YouTube Music is also not included among the benefits of Lite subscription.
In Australia, the price of the Lite subscription is set at AUD 9 per month, while the full Premium subscription costs AUD 17. This pricing is similar to the costs of the old Premium Lite. Currently, YouTube’s individual subscription fees are around USD 14 per month, with the family plan priced at approximately USD 23.
YouTube’s new Premium Lite version may be especially appealing to users who do not need the full Premium subscription but are looking for a more affordable alternative. The company seems to be trying to respond to diverse user needs through these tests and aims to provide a more flexible subscription structure. However, no information has been shared yet about whether this plan will be offered to a wider audience.
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Arwen Volkov, A graduate of the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland with a degree in International Finance, Arwen specializes in sustainable finance and green investments. She began her career at an investment bank in London, where she developed financing models for environmentally friendly projects. Known for her analytical and strategic thinking skills, Arwen is a sought-after financial consultant. In her spare time, she mentors fintech startups, contributing to their growth strategies. She is also a nature enthusiast and an amateur photographer.
