YouTube is Testing New ‘Premium Lite’, a Cheaper Subscription That Still Shows Ads

As a long-time YouTube Premium subscriber who’s been through the highs and lows of ad-free streaming, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions about the return of YouTube Premium Lite. On one hand, it’s great to see Google testing this more affordable subscription plan in new markets. But on the other hand, the inclusion of limited ads seems like a step backwards for those who are already paying top dollar for ad-free content.

Approximately a year ago, YouTube discontinued Premium Lite, a budget-friendly subscription plan accessible in select regions. This plan provided the same advantages as regular YouTube Premium at a lower cost. Soon after, YouTube decided to concentrate solely on the main YouTube Premium service by terminating this specific tier.

Currently, it’s clear that the tech giant is planning to trial a less expensive version called Premium Lite across new regions. The catch here is that this budget option would display fewer ads, leading some users to ponder if it’s still worth the investment.

Premium Lite, Now With Ads

According to an article posted by Android Authority, Google has begun testing its Premium Lite service in Australia, Germany, and Thailand. This shift from the European market where the service was previously trialed broadens the scope of the test and offers a more diverse range of participants for the trial.

On Reddit, a user posted an illustrative comparison showcasing the distinct features of Premium Lite and Premium.

If you’re a core Premium subscriber at $22.99 AUSD per month, you’ll be able to download and play videos offline and in the background, and you’ll have access to YouTube Music Premium. If you’re a Lite subscriber at just $11.99 AUSD a month, you’ll get limited ads and no other visible benefits.

As a devoted user, I’ve come to notice that with the Premium Lite version of Google, advertisements could potentially show up within licensed music content, Shorts, or when conducting searches on their platform.

From a consumer standpoint, it’s tough to see why anyone would subscribe to Premium Lite other than for the reason that it eradicates most ads. Aside from that, you get no added benefits for that monthly investment.

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