YouTube Premium Announces Price Increase for Global Subscribers
YouTube Premium is set to raise its subscription prices worldwide, with European users being the first to notice the change. Starting in November, subscribers will experience higher costs for both individual and family plans, with notifications being sent out via email.
In countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy, the family plan will see a significant jump from €18 to €26 per month, while individual plans will increase from €12 to €14. Switzerland will see prices rise from CHF 24 to CHF 34, and in Sweden, the family plan will go from SEK 179 to SEK 279.
Although YouTube Premium remains much cheaper in regions like Pakistan, a similar price adjustment is expected to follow. YouTube has yet to release a full list of affected countries, so subscribers are advised to check their emails for updates on the upcoming changes.
The announcement of this price hike has sparked backlash among users, with some expressing frustration over the increase. Many have taken to platforms like Reddit, criticizing YouTube Premium’s cost, which is now among the highest for streaming services. This is especially concerning for users who primarily subscribe to YouTube Premium for the YouTube Music feature.
For comparison, services like Spotify and Apple Music offer more affordable options. Spotify’s family plan costs around €18 in Europe, while its individual plan is around €11. Similarly, Apple Music’s pricing matches Spotify’s, with only a €1 difference in the family plan. This has led to growing complaints that YouTube Premium’s new pricing feels excessive, particularly for users focused on music streaming.
Despite the price increase, YouTube Premium still offers various perks, including ad-free viewing, offline downloads, higher-quality streaming, background playback on mobile, and access to YouTube Music.
FAQs
1. When will YouTube Premium prices increase?
The price hike is set to begin in November, with global changes expected to follow.
2. Which countries are affected by the YouTube Premium price increase?
Countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, and Sweden have confirmed price hikes. Other countries, including Pakistan, are expected to see increases soon.
3. How much will YouTube Premium cost after the increase?
In Europe, family plans will rise to around €26 per month, and individual plans will increase to about €14.
4. How does YouTube Premium compare to other streaming services?
YouTube Premium is now more expensive than competitors like Spotify and Apple Music, which offer similar family plans at around €18 and individual plans at €11.
This price change highlights YouTube’s positioning as a premium service, but it may also push some users to reconsider their subscriptions due to the rising costs.
