YouTube has raised the prices of its premium subscription plans in the United States and several international markets, including North America, South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East.
The new rates are already in effect for new customers, while existing customers will see the change take effect during their current billing cycle.
This is the first price increase for YouTube Premium in the US since 2023 and the fourth such increase in the last three years.
New YouTube Premium prices in the US
The latest US pricing details are as follows:
- Individual premium now increases from $13.99 to $15.99 per month, an increase of $2.
- The cost of Family Premium increases from $22.99 to $26.99 per month, which covers up to five family members. The annual premium for individuals increases from $139.99 to $159.99.
- Premium Lite costs $8.99 per month, an increase of $1 from $7.99.
Premium Lite offers ad-free viewing of most videos, but does not include YouTube Music, background playback, offline downloads, or ad-free music videos.
The History of YouTube Premium Price Increases and Why It Happened
The pattern of rising premium prices continues:
- In 2022, the family plan increases by five dollars to $22.99. In
- In 2023, the Individual plan increases from $11.99 to $13.99, while the Family plan increases from $17.99 to $22.99. In
- In 2024, prices were raised across Europe, Asia and South America, although US prices remained unchanged.
- In 2026, this increase is the first US increase since 2023.
YouTube TV, a separate live television service, also increased from $73 to $82.99 per month.
YouTube has explained the price increase by saying it will help the company continue to improve premiums and support creators and artists whose content audiences love.
The company announced the price change in April, ahead of its planned rollout in June.
What should you do now?
Along with the price increase, two new premium features are also being introduced. Auto Speed allows the video to automatically adjust playback speed without losing audio clarity.
Currently in testing, the On-the-Go feature reduces on-screen distractions like comments in audio-centric content like podcasts and talk shows.
Existing customers need not take any action. The new prices will be reflected in billing cycles as each account receives the update. Users interested in saving money can consider upgrading to Premium Lite, which costs $8.99 per month.
This plan allows ad-free viewing of most content but removes features like music, background playback, and offline downloads.
Those who subscribe primarily to avoid ads may find Premium Lite sufficient. However, users who rely on YouTube Music or background playback will have to stick to the full premium plan at the new price.
Thanks for being a Ghax reader. The post YouTube Premium raises US prices again, personal plan now $15.99 per month appeared first on gHacks.
