YouTube Launches “Premium Lite” Subscription for Ad-Free Viewing at $7.99 per Month

YouTube announced on Wednesday the launch of a new subscription tier called “Premium Lite”, which will allow users to watch most videos without ads for $7.99 per month.

“Premium Lite” Features and Limitations

The new subscription offers users the ability to watch videos across various categories, including gaming, fashion, beauty, cooking, and news, without ads. However, ads will still appear on music content, including music videos.

Compared to the full “YouTube Premium” subscription ($13.99 per month), “Premium Lite” lacks several additional features, such as:
Background playback
The ability to download content for offline viewing
Ad-free music videos

Gradual Expansion of “Premium Lite”

According to a report by TechCrunch, YouTube initially tested the subscription in Thailand, Germany, and Australia before rolling it out to U.S. users, with plans for further expansion into additional markets in the coming months.

YouTube’s Strategy to Attract Users and Boost Revenue

Through this new subscription, YouTube aims to increase subscription revenue and support content creators. The service is particularly targeting younger users, who increasingly prefer digital content consumption via platforms like YouTube and TikTok, as opposed to traditional TV.

YouTube Viewing on TVs Surpasses Mobile Devices

Recent data from YouTube shows that the majority of views in the U.S. are now being made through smart TVs, surpassing mobile devices and desktops. “Premium Lite” is expected to further enhance the experience, making watching YouTube on large screens more appealing with fewer ads.

Over 125 Million Subscribers for YouTube Premium and YouTube Music

According to company figures, the combined number of subscribers to YouTube Premium and YouTube Music now exceeds 125 million global users, reflecting the success of YouTube’s paid offerings in improving the viewing and listening experience.