YouTube has increased the prices of its Premium subscription plans in the United States and in several international markets, including North America, South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.
The new rates are already in effect for new subscribers, while existing subscribers will see the change take effect during their current billing cycles.
This is the first YouTube Premium price increase in the US since 2023 and the fourth such increase in the last three years.
New YouTube Premium prices in the US
The latest US pricing details are as follows:
- The individual premium now costs $15.99 per month, up from $13.99, an increase of $2.
- Family Premium costs $26.99 per month, up from $22.99, and covers up to five family members. The annual premium for individuals is $159.99, up from $139.99.
- Premium Lite is priced at $8.99 per month, an increase of $1 from $7.99.
Premium Lite offers ad-free viewing for most videos, but does not include YouTube Music, background play, offline downloads, or ad-free music videos.
History of YouTube Premium price increases and why this happened
The pattern of rising premium prices continues:
- In 2022, the family plan increased by five dollars to $22.99. In
- In 2023, the individual plan rose from $11.99 to $13.99, while the family plan rose from $17.99 to $22.99. In
- In 2024, prices increased in Europe, Asia and South America, although prices in the United States remained unchanged. He
- In 2026, the increase will be the first in the United States since 2023. During this period,
YouTube TV, a standalone live television service, also rose from $73 to $82.99 a month.
YouTube has explained the price increase by saying it will allow the company to continue improving Premium and support the creators and artists whose content viewers enjoy.
The company announced the price change in April, ahead of its planned June launch.
What should you do now?
Along with the price increase, two new Premium features are introduced. Auto Speed allows videos to automatically adjust playback speed without losing audio clarity.
Currently in testing, the on-the-fly feature minimizes on-screen distractions such as comments on audio-focused content such as podcasts and talk shows.
Existing subscribers do not need to take any action. The new price will be reflected in billing cycles as each account receives the update. Users interested in saving money can consider upgrading to Premium Lite, which costs $8.99 per month.
This plan maintains ad-free viewing for most content, but removes features like music, background play, and offline downloads.
Those who subscribe primarily to avoid ads may find Premium Lite sufficient. However, users who rely on YouTube Music or background play will need to stay on the full Premium plan at the new price.
