YouTube Premium is often criticized for its high cost, but Google is now rolling out a more budget-friendly alternative: YouTube Premium Lite. This plan is available at roughly half the price of the full Premium subscription, catering to users who just want an ad-free viewing experience.
What Is YouTube Premium Lite?
YouTube Premium Lite is a simplified version of YouTube’s subscription service. Unlike the standard Premium plan, it doesn’t include YouTube Music, offline downloads, or background play. Instead, it focuses solely on reducing ads during videos. However, it’s important to note that it doesn’t remove all ads completely.
Price and Availability
Google started testing Premium Lite in select countries in 2023. After initially removing the option in most regions, the company continued testing in Thailand. Recently, the plan expanded to Australia and Germany, offering a cheaper option for users. In Australia, Premium Lite costs $11.99/month, compared to the $22.99/month standard Premium plan. Some users have even reported a lower price of $8.99/month during trials.
In Germany, the plan is priced at €5.99/month, providing an affordable choice for those looking for ad-free YouTube. Google has confirmed that Premium Lite is still being tested in Australia, Germany, and Thailand, with no announcement yet on further expansion.
YouTube Premium Lite doesn’t offer all the features of the full Premium plan, but its lower price makes it appealing for users who simply want fewer ads. With testing underway in several countries, it may soon become a popular choice for budget-conscious viewers.
