YouTube is discontinuing its Premium Lite subscription option, which allowed users to remove ads from their viewing experience for a lower price. Starting October 25, users who want an ad-free experience without resorting to ad blockers will have to subscribe to the more expensive full-fledged Premium tier. Premium Lite was first introduced in select European countries in 2021 but was not made available to all users worldwide. While it only cost €7 ($7.42) per month, the regular Premium tier at $14 per month not only removes ads but also includes YouTube Music, offline video downloads, and the ability to watch videos in the background while using other apps.
YouTube is offering current Premium Lite subscribers a one-month free trial of the regular Premium subscription in an attempt to win them over. To redeem the offer, subscribers can either cancel their current subscription or wait for it to be canceled automatically. However, many users have expressed disappointment and frustration on platforms like Reddit, as they are unwilling to pay twice the amount they were previously paying just to enjoy ad-free videos. YouTube also mentioned in the email to its users that it will be developing more subscription versions in the future based on feedback from creators and viewers.
As of October 25, YouTube users who were enjoying ad-free content through the Premium Lite subscription will need to upgrade to the more expensive Premium tier to continue their ad-free viewing experience. Premium Lite, which was initially introduced in select European countries in 2021, allowed users to remove ads from their videos for a price of €7 ($7.42) per month. However, YouTube has decided to discontinue this subscription option and focus on developing new versions based on user feedback. The regular Premium tier, priced at $14 per month, not only eliminates ads but also offers additional features such as YouTube Music, offline video downloads, and background video playback while using other apps. YouTube is offering current Premium Lite subscribers a complimentary one-month trial of the regular Premium subscription to encourage them to switch. However, this decision has been met with frustration from users on platforms like Reddit, who are reluctant to pay double the price for a service they originally enjoyed at a lower cost.