Google is developing a cheaper YouTube “Premium Lite” subscription, set to launch in the US, Australia, Germany, and Thailand. The new tier will provide ad-free viewing but will exclude background play and other YouTube Premium features.
A YouTube spokesperson confirmed the test, stating the company aims to offer more flexibility and may expand the service with partner support. Pricing and release details remain unclear, but the standard YouTube Premium subscription currently costs $13.99 per month in the US.
YouTube previously tested a similar service in 2021 in several European countries for €6.99 per month. However, it was discontinued in 2023. Talks about “Premium Lite” resurfaced last year when an Australian user posted about a new test version, which focused on ad-free viewing for non-music videos.