YouTube has announced a significant expansion of its “Premium Lite” subscription tier, bringing the more affordable ad-free viewing option to users in the United States. This move comes as YouTube Music and Premium collectively surpass 125 million subscribers globally, signaling the platform’s continued growth in the subscription market.
Premium Lite Details
Premium Lite, priced at USD7.99 (~RM35) per month in the US, offers viewers the ability to watch the majority of YouTube videos without ads. This tier is designed for users who primarily desire an uninterrupted viewing experience across diverse content categories, including gaming, comedy, cooking, and educational videos.
“We’ve been testing Premium Lite to ensure we have the right balance of features and benefits for those viewers who want to watch most videos ad-free,” YouTube stated in a press release. The company emphasised that this expansion is a direct response to user demand for more flexible subscription options.
Global Rollout
In addition to the US launch, YouTube plans to extend the subscription plan to all users in existing pilot countries: Thailand, Germany, and Australia, in the coming weeks. This broader rollout highlights YouTube’s commitment to refining and expanding its subscription offerings based on user feedback and market analysis.
Differentiating Subscription Tiers
YouTube differentiates Premium Lite from its full Premium plan, which includes ad-free music on YouTube and YouTube Music, as well as offline and background playback. The company recommends the full Premium plan for users who want a comprehensive music and video experience.
Plans for a Malaysian release are unknown at the time of writing.
