## YouTube Premium and Music Prices Hike: Legacy Subscribers in US and Europe Affected
Get ready for a change in your YouTube subscription costs. Google’s video-sharing giant, YouTube, has announced price increases for its Premium and Music services, impacting legacy subscribers in both the U.S. and Europe.
Starting in the new year, U.S. subscribers with older plans, like those from Google Play Music or YouTube Red, will see their monthly rate jump to $13.99. European users are also facing similar adjustments, with some receiving a three-month grace period at their current rates, as reported by The Verge.
Paul Pennington, YouTube’s communications manager, confirmed these price adjustments will apply to both new and existing subscribers in countries including Bulgaria, Costa Rica, and Spain. Subscribers who initially joined through Google Play with early adopter pricing will enjoy an extra three months at their existing rate.
A Reddit post highlighted a legacy subscriber in Spain, whose monthly fee will rise from 7.99 euros to 10.99 euros. This is still below the 12.99 euros rate for new individual music subscribers.
Why This Matters:
This price hike comes amidst YouTube’s strategic expansion and growth in revenue. In October, YouTube extended its “Premium Lite” plan to more countries. This cheaper subscription offers fewer ads, providing an alternative for users seeking a less intrusive experience without the additional perks of the full Premium package.
Earlier in May, YouTube introduced the AI-powered “Jump Ahead” feature for Premium users, allowing them to skip commonly skipped sections of videos, enhancing user experience. This demonstrates YouTube’s commitment to using technology to improve user experience and drive engagement.
Furthermore, YouTube’s financial success was highlighted in October when it reported generating $50 billion in combined advertising and subscription revenue over the past year. This reflects the platform’s robust growth and ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences.
The price increases signal YouTube’s efforts to monetize its vast user base and maintain its position as a dominant force in the streaming landscape. While some users may feel the impact of the higher prices, the introduction of new features and services, coupled with the platform’s continued growth, suggests that YouTube is confident in its ability to retain and attract subscribers.
