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

Just over a year ago, YouTube shut down Premium Lite, a subscription plan that was available in a handful of countries. It offered the same benefits as YouTube Premium but it was cheaper. It wasn’t long before YouTube shut down the subscription tier, focusing entirely on the core YouTube Premium service.

Now, it has been revealed that the tech titan is preparing to test Premium Lite in all-new markets. This time around, the more affordable subscription will show limited ads, prompting many users to question the point of paying.

---

Premium Lite, Now With Ads

In a write-up published by Android Authority, it was confirmed that Google is testing Premium Lite in Australia, Germany, and Thailand. It’s a change from the all-European market that the service was previously tested in, and it should promise more diversity during the trial.

On Reddit, a user shared a comparison image that outlined the difference between 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.

Google highlighted that ads in Premium Lite ‘may appear’ on licensed music content, Shorts, and when you search on the 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.

What do you think of Premium Lite? Do you want it to land in your country? Let us know on the Insider Gaming forum.

---

For more Insider Gaming coverage, check out the news that Spider-Man 2 has no story DLC planned