YouTube is currently experimenting with a new version of its Premium Lite subscription tier. Recently, screenshots circulated on social media, and a Google representative confirmed to several outlets that this plan is being trialed in Australia, Germany, and Thailand. The updated version will feature “limited ads,” meaning most videos will be ad-free, although users may encounter video ads on music content, Shorts, and non-intrusive ads during searches and browsing.
The initial Premium Lite subscription was introduced in Europe in 2021 but was discontinued by the video platform in October 2023. The original plan’s sole benefit was the removal of all advertisements, lacking features like offline or background viewing that are available with the standard Premium offering.
In Australia, the Premium Lite subscription is priced at $9 per month, compared to $17 per month for full Premium access. This pricing is consistent with the original Lite plan, which was approximately half the cost of a regular subscription. Considering current YouTube subscription prices—$14 per month for an individual and $23 per month for a family plan—a mid-tier option might attract users seeking a more budget-friendly alternative.
