YouTube has announced a substantial price hike for its Premium subscription plans in India, marking the first major increase since its launch in 2019. The new rates range from 15.5% to 58% higher than the previous prices.
Updated YouTube Premium Pricing
Individual (Monthly)
- Old Price: ₹129
- New Price: ₹149
- Price Increase: ₹20 (15.5%)
Student (Monthly)
- Old Price: ₹79
- New Price: ₹89
- Price Increase: ₹10 (12.7%)
Family (Monthly)
- Old Price: ₹189
- New Price: ₹299
- Price Increase: ₹110 (58.2%)
Individual Prepaid (Monthly)
- Old Price: ₹139
- New Price: ₹159
- Price Increase: ₹20 (14.4%)
Individual Prepaid (Quarterly)
- Old Price: ₹399
- New Price: ₹459
- Price Increase: ₹60 (15.0%)
Individual Prepaid (Annual)
- Old Price: ₹1,290
- New Price: ₹1,490
- Price Increase: ₹200 (15.5%)
Reasons for the Price Increase
According to YouTube, the price hike is aimed at ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality service and features. The company stated that the increase will help in “continuing to improve YouTube Premium and support the creators and artists you watch on YouTube.” The move is part of a broader effort to enhance user experience and support content creators, although it comes with a significant cost increase for subscribers.
Impact on Existing Subscribers
Existing YouTube Premium subscribers have been notified via email about the new prices. YouTube has stated that if users do not take action before their next billing date, their subscription will be updated to reflect the new pricing. This means that subscribers will need to agree to the new rates or risk losing access to their Premium features.
Benefits of YouTube Premium
For those considering the price hike, it’s worth noting the benefits that come with a YouTube Premium subscription:
- Ad-Free Experience: Enjoy uninterrupted viewing without ads.
- Video Downloads: Save videos for offline viewing.
- Background Playback: Listen to videos or music while using other apps.
- YouTube Music Benefits: Access to YouTube Music Premium for streaming music without ads.
Conclusion
The price increase for YouTube Premium plans in India represents a significant adjustment for subscribers. While the new rates may be a concern for some, they are intended to support the platform’s ongoing development and content creators. If you’re currently subscribed or considering a subscription, it’s important to review the new pricing and evaluate the benefits to decide if it aligns with your viewing habits and budget.
