In spring 2023, YouTube launched a Premium Lite subscription in select countries, and it performed well. However, after YouTube expanded its Premium services, the Lite plan was discontinued. Now, it appears YouTube may be reviving the option with new tests underway.
The Premium Lite subscription offers customers an ad-free YouTube experience but lacks access to YouTube Music and the option to download videos for offline viewing, distinguishing it from the full Premium plan.
Regional Tests and Pricing Details
YouTube Premium Lite has become relevant again following the surge in YouTube Premium’s popularity, which grew by as much as 55% in some countries. Soon after, Google began testing the new version of Premium Lite, suggesting the service is under active reconsideration.
Jonah Manzano, an Australian singer and songwriter, shared a screenshot of the Premium Lite plan on Threads, showing a price of AUD 11.99 per month. Additionally, businesses in Germany reported seeing the plan priced at €5.99 monthly. In response to inquiries, Google confirmed that this is not the same Premium Lite plan from the past but a new version under testing. Google added, “We are testing a different version of Premium Lite, and customers in Australia, Germany, and Thailand can opt into the trial.”
Availability and Future Expansion
It remains unclear how the new tests will affect the availability of Premium Lite in other regions, notes NIXsolutions. Given the lower pricing of standard YouTube Premium in Ukraine compared to the EU or the USA, it is unlikely that the new Lite plan will be rolled out there soon.
We’ll keep you updated on further developments regarding YouTube’s subscription plans and any changes in availability across regions.