As of July 20, 2023, YouTube has quietly updated its pricing for YouTube Premium and YouTube Music subscriptions in the US, resulting in a $2 increase for each month of YouTube Premium. This move comes as YouTube aims to enhance its offerings and provide a better experience for its users. In this article, we will explore the details of the price increase, its implications for existing subscribers, and the features that make YouTube Premium a compelling choice for video streaming enthusiasts.
YouTube Premium offers a range of functional improvements that elevate the video streaming experience for its subscribers. Some of the key features of YouTube Premium include:
The subscription also offers co-watching capabilities within Google Meet, enabling users to share and enjoy content together during video conferencing sessions.
The Price Increase and Updated Pricing
YouTube Premium’s monthly subscription fee has been raised from $11.99 to $13.99 in the US, while the annual subscription cost has increased by $20 to $139.99. Alongside this change, YouTube Music, which is available both as a standalone service and as part of a YouTube Premium subscription, now costs $10.99 per month. These adjustments align YouTube’s pricing with similar increases made by other music streaming services, including Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Tidal.Potential Impact on Existing Subscribers
Although the price increase has gone into effect for new subscribers, it is still unclear how the change will affect current YouTube Premium subscribers. In the past, YouTube has grandfathered pricing for previous subscribers when it raised prices. However, it’s important to note that YouTube has not officially announced how existing subscribers will be impacted. As of now, some users have reported that their older YouTube Premium subscriptions, which were locked at $9.99 per month, have not seen any changes.YouTube Premium: A Comprehensive Video Streaming Experience
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YouTube
Ad-Free Viewing
One of the most significant advantages of YouTube Premium is the removal of ads from videos. Ad breaks are no longer necessary for subscribers to enjoy uninterrupted viewing.Offline Access and Downloads
YouTube Premium allows users to download videos for offline viewing. This feature comes in handy when you want to watch your favorite videos on the go without an internet connection.Background Playback
With YouTube Premium, you can continue listening to a video’s audio while using other apps or when your phone’s screen is off. This feature enables you to multitask effectively while still enjoying your favorite content.Higher-Quality Streaming
YouTube Premium subscribers can enjoy videos in higher quality with the option of streaming at 1080p resolution on select platforms. This ensures a more immersive and visually appealing viewing experience.Co-Watching in Google Meet
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Extended Free Trials
YouTube Premium provides access to extended free trials, allowing new subscribers to explore the service’s features before committing to a paid subscription.YouTube Premium’s Competitors and Industry Trends
The price increase for YouTube Premium aligns with similar moves made by other music streaming services. Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Tidal have previously increased their subscription prices, indicating a broader trend in the industry. Spotify, a notable holdout, has yet to raise its prices, but its CEO, Daniel Ek, has hinted at the possibility of a future increase.Conclusion
YouTube’s decision to increase the price of YouTube Premium and YouTube Music subscriptions reflects its ongoing efforts to provide high-quality content and features for its users. While the price hike may impact new subscribers, the implications for existing subscribers are still uncertain. YouTube Premium’s array of functionality improvements, including ad-free viewing, offline access, and higher-quality streaming, make it a compelling choice for video streaming enthusiasts.
