Google Resumes Testing of YouTube Premium Lite in Select Countries

In October 2023, YouTube made the announcement regarding the discontinuation of its YouTube Premium Lite subscription plan in select countries where it was previously offered. If you’re not familiar with this option, it’s likely because it was limited to Belgium, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.

The YouTube Premium Lite subscription allowed users to watch videos without ads. Unlike other subscription tiers, the Lite version did not provide access to YouTube Music or features for downloading videos for offline consumption.

The introduction of the YouTube Premium Lite plan came as a response to the significant price hikes for YouTube Premium in numerous regions, with increases reaching up to 55%. Fortunately, reports indicate that Google has begun testing this subscription model again, after it was seemingly scrapped over a year prior.

In a statement to Android Authority, Google clarified that the current iteration of the Premium Lite plan is distinct from its predecessor and part of an active testing phase. The company mentioned, “We’re testing a different version of Premium Lite, and some users in Australia, Germany, and Thailand might see an option to enroll.” However, the feature has yet to roll out in the US, leaving room for speculation.

Recently, there has been an uptick in users noticing the plan’s availability. For instance, Australian singer-songwriter Jonah Manzano posted a screenshot depicting the plan priced at A$11.99 per month, while other users reported seeing the plan’s details earlier this year.

In Germany, several users have also identified the YouTube Premium Lite plan, which is reported to be available for €5.99 per month.

The future of the YouTube Premium Lite subscription remains uncertain, and it is unclear whether it will extend to the US or additional countries.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Do you think YouTube should consider offering this convenient plan in the US and beyond?

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