'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMG/8QAHxAAAgICAwADAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDBQARBCExBgcS/8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQP/xAAXEQADAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAhEA/9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwCH1pcfCbCig5VhXwzXTo7Ok0LTFtkgaYgKu++hv33MZaVbPZ8x4uCII2mcrEs41GP0dKNDXXmMZQKCMs7W3f/Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
YouTube added a new subscription tier, YouTube Premium Lite, in the United States for $7.99 per month. The plan provides an ad-free watch experience on most videos but lacks other features such as offline video downloads, background play, or ad-free music.
The service, priced at $13.99 per month, aims at users who mainly need an ad-free viewing experience for everyday content but do not require the perks of a full Premium service. YouTube Premium Lite was initially launched in 2021 as a trial in some European nations, such as Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.
It has since grown to other markets like Germany, Thailand, and Australia. With its launch in the U.S., YouTube is looking to offer users additional subscription options. The company has not yet indicated if it will roll out Premium Lite to other parts of the world in the future.
YouTube Premium Lite takes out ads from the majority of videos but doesn't offer offline viewing or background play
Premium Lite enables people to view videos ad-free on most content types, such as gaming, beauty, fashion, and news. It does not, however, offer an ad-free experience for YouTube Music.
People who wish to have uninterrupted music streaming would have to subscribe to either YouTube Music Premium or the full YouTube Premium plan. Aside from the lack of ad-free music; Premium Lite does not have offline downloads or background playback.
This implies that users need an internet connection to watch content, and videos cannot resume playing when alternating between apps or locking the screen. These restrictions make Premium Lite a watered-down version of YouTube Premium; with ad removal being the only aspect for regular video content.
The subscription falls between YouTube's premium and free plans
YouTube has several plans today, with Premium Lite as the middle option between the free ad-supported viewing experience and the standard Premium subscription. The $13.99-per-month regular YouTube Premium subscription brings ad-free video access to every video; YouTube Music, background play, and offline downloads.
YouTube Music Premium, priced at $10.99 per month, is an ad-free music streaming option without ads in non-music videos. YouTube Premium Lite, costing $7.99 a month; offers a mid-level option for users who seek an ad-free experience but are not interested in the additional features of the higher-tiered offerings.
It mitigates the disturbance caused by the ads but does not provide added features such as offline viewing or ad-free music streaming. It is a price point that caters to customers based on individual viewing patterns.
YouTube has rolled out YouTube Premium Lite in some areas and potentially will roll it out further
Following early experimentation in Europe, Premium Lite has rolled out to other nations, such as Germany, Thailand, and Australia. The recent release in the U.S. suggests that YouTube is weighing the demand for more versatile subscription options.
The company has not announced, however, whether or when Premium Lite will roll out in more nations. YouTube Premium Lite expansion indicates YouTube's trial with new pricing formats aimed at providing users with additional benefits. Increased competition in streaming remains high; with services like YouTube likely changing its subscription option around user sentiment and demand in the market.
READ MORE: "Racist b*tch": Offset takes a shot at Elon Musk for suggesting that Donald Trump pardon Derek Chauvin
YouTube Premium Lite gives ad-free watching to most videos on YouTube for a cheaper price than the entire Premium package. It does not support offline playback, background playing, or ad-free listening to music. Its presence continues to be limited to a few locations, and YouTube has not declared further plans for expansion.
Your perspective matters!
Start the conversation
