YouTube increases it “premium services” in several countries
YouTube Premium is a paid subscription service of YouTube. The premium services of YouTube includes YouTube Music Ad-Free, Offline Download, Background Playing, YouTube TVs and YouTube Originals. While these are all good features, the video-sharing platform has been increasing the price of the premium services in different countries occasionally.
The YouTube Premium subscription prices (both the individual and the family plans) have been raised in over a dozen countries around the world, with some experiencing increases of nearly 60%. However, the United States is not affected by these changes. However, this is the latest round of price increases from Google, following earlier hikes in many countries, including the U.S. last summer.
YouTube Premium price increased yet again in several countries with most from Europe, according the this thread happening on Reddit.
The price increases this time around appear to affect at least sixteen countries, which are mostly the European countries. According to the thread, some of the prices have gone up by nearly 40%, which is just wild. Per the thread, Individual plans in countries like Ireland, Netherlands, Italy, and Belgium have increased by €2 and now cost €13.99. The Family plan, which previously cost €17.99 in these regions, is now increasing by €8.
Current Prices of YouTube Premium in Affected Countries
| Country | Plan | Old Price | New Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland, Netherlands, Italy, Belgium | Single | €11.99 | €13.99 |
| Family | €17.99 | €25.99 | |
| Switzerland | Single | 15.90 CHF | 17.90 CHF |
| Family | 23.90 CHF | 33.90 CHF | |
| Denmark | Single | 119 DKK | 139 DKK |
| Family | 177 DKK | 259 DKK | |
| Sweden | Single | 119 SEK | 149 SEK |
| Family | 179 SEK | 279 SEK | |
| Norway | Single | 119 NOK | 169 NOK |
| Family | 179 NOK | 269 NOK | |
| Czech Republic | Single | 179 CZK | 209 CZK |
| Family | 269 CZK | 389 CZK | |
| Singapore | Single | 11.98 SGD | 13.98 SGD |
| Family | 17.98 SGD | 27.98 SGD | |
| United Arab Emirates | Single | 23.99 AED | 26.99 AED |
| Family | 35.99 AED | 48.99 AED | |
| Malaysia | Single | 17.90 MYR | 20.90 MYR |
| Family | 33.90 MYR | 41.90 MYR | |
| Saudi Arabia | Single | 23.98 SAR | 26.99 SAR |
| Family | 35.98 SAR | 49.99 SAR | |
| Indonesia | Single | 59,000 IDR | 69,000 IDR |
| Family | 99,000 IDR | 139,000 IDR | |
| Colombia | Single | 17,900 COP | 20,900 COP |
| Family | 26,900 COP | 41,900 COP | |
| Thailand | Single | 159 THB | 179 THB |
| Family | 299 THB | 359 THB |
Why the YouTube Premium's Price Hike
As per Google's notification to users via Email, the price increase will help enhance Google's support in continuing to "deliver great service and features" and "support the creators and artists you watch on YouTube." Meanwhile, many users have reported that similar orientations have been used in previous price increase notifications.
Another shocking surprise is that users who signed up to the YouTube Premium through Apple are seeing an even higher price increase. A Reddit user from Sweden reported a 60% price increase for YouTube Premium.
However, this increase seems to be related to the additional tax or fee charged when paying through Apple’s payment system, rather than Google’s. It's important to note that Apple often adds extra fees for in-app purchases made through its platform, which can make prices higher than paying for the YouTube Premium directly through Google.
Meanwhile, the most shocking part of it is that even if you decided to cancel your subscription through Apple and try to re-subscribe through Google, it won’t change the pricing. You'll still need to pay the higher price. But, those who pay directly through Google are seeing a much smaller price increase.
Many Reddit users in affected countries have announced they are canceling their YouTube Premium subscriptions, similar to when YouTube cracked down on VPN-purchased plans in July. Threads are filled with complaints, including one user from Denmark who said the increase makes YouTube the most expensive streaming service, costing more than Amazon Prime, Netflix, and HBO combined. Time will tell if Google adjusts prices to meet user expectations, or if the service becomes too costly for subscribers.
What do you think about YouTube Premium's price hike in several countries? Do you think it’s a good idea, or a bad one? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
