Google is increasing the price of YouTube Premium, with the new pricing applying immediately for new subscribers and rolling out to existing subscribers starting in June.
The update affects YouTube Premium’s subscription plans, which include ad-free viewing, background playback, offline downloads, and access to YouTube Music Premium. Under the new pricing structure, users will pay more for the same bundle of features, marking one of the service’s more significant price adjustments in recent years.
Existing subscribers will continue paying their current rate until the change takes effect in June, after which the new pricing will automatically apply unless they choose to cancel or modify their subscription.
The adjustment reflects a broader trend across streaming platforms, as companies continue revising subscription costs in response to rising content expenses and expanded service offerings.
New YouTube Premium Pricing (U.S.)
The updated pricing structure is as follows:
-
Individual plan: $15.99/month or $159.99/year
(previously $13.99/month or $139.99/year) -
Family plan: $26.99/month
(previously $22.99/month) -
Student plan: $8.99/month
(previously $7.99/month)
YouTube Premium Benefits
YouTube Premium continues to include the same core features despite the price increase:
-
Ad-free viewing across YouTube videos
-
Background playback (audio continues when app is minimized)
-
Offline downloads for viewing without internet access
-
Ad-free access to YouTube Music
-
Additional minor subscriber perks depending on region
YouTube Premium Lite Also Increases
Google is also raising the price of YouTube Premium Lite, which now costs:
- $8.99/month (previously $7.99/month)
However, this lower-tier plan comes with limitations:
-
Ads may still appear on music videos
-
Ads remain on YouTube Shorts
-
Ads can still appear during search and browsing
-
No ad-free YouTube Music access
Context
This marks the first YouTube Premium price increase since 2023, reflecting broader adjustments across streaming platforms as companies respond to rising content and infrastructure costs.
The changes place YouTube Premium more firmly in line with other major subscription services that have also increased pricing in recent years.