Introduction
YouTube is testing a new version of its affordable subscription service, Premium Lite, which it had paused last year. According to statements made by the company to Android Authority and The Verge, this new subscription model has been undergoing testing with a select group of users in Australia, Germany, and Thailand for several months. YouTube confirmed that tests began in Australia earlier this year but has not provided clear information regarding a global rollout.
Pricing and Availability of YouTube Premium Lite in Australia
Australian singer Jonah Manzano shared a screenshot on the Threads platform, showing that the Premium Lite subscription costs AUD 8.99 per month on the web in Australia. This price is just under half the cost of the full YouTube Premium subscription, which is priced at AUD 16.99. For iOS users, the pricing differs slightly, with Premium Lite priced at AUD 11.99, while the full YouTube Premium costs AUD 22.99.
Features of YouTube Premium Lite
Unlike the original Premium Lite model, the new version does not offer a completely ad-free experience. According to YouTube’s notes, users may still see limited ads in music content and Shorts videos. Additionally, “interruptive ads” may appear when searching or browsing the platform.
However, Premium Lite subscribers will not have access to ad-free YouTube Music, and features like offline video viewing or background playback will not be available. These limitations are similar to the previous Premium Lite version.
History and Global Availability of YouTube Premium Lite
YouTube first began testing the Premium Lite service in parts of Europe in 2021. Now, the testing phase is expanding to a larger audience in Australia, Germany, and Thailand. However, it is still unclear whether this subscription model will be available in other countries. The company has not shared any information regarding a broader launch, making it difficult to predict the future of this service.
The success of YouTube Premium Lite and whether it will be rolled out to a larger user base will depend on the results of the ongoing tests. The company aims to offer users a more affordable, partially ad-free experience compared to the full Premium subscription.
Conclusion
YouTube Premium Lite offers a more affordable alternative to the full Premium subscription, with the ability to enjoy some benefits at a lower cost. However, the trade-off comes with limited features, such as the presence of ads in music and Shorts videos, and the lack of access to YouTube Music and offline or background playback. The current testing phase in Australia, Germany, and Thailand will determine whether YouTube will expand this service to other regions. If successful, Premium Lite could become a popular option for users who want a less expensive, partially ad-free YouTube experience. Stay tuned for future updates as YouTube assesses the results of these trials and decides on the broader availability of this new subscription model.