YouTube Premium Prices Rise in US

Google has raised prices for its YouTube Premium subscriptions in the United States, marking the first broad increase since 2023 and affecting all tiers of the ad-free service.

The changes, announced via email to subscribers last week, apply immediately to new sign-ups and will take effect for existing users starting with their billing cycles in June. The individual YouTube Premium plan, which includes ad-free video viewing, background playback, offline downloads and access to YouTube Music, now costs $15.99 per month, up $2 from $13.99. The family plan, covering up to six household accounts, rises to $26.99 from $22.99, a $4 increase. The lower-tier YouTube Premium Lite option, offering ad removal for most long-form videos without music access or offline features, increases by $1 to $8.99. Standalone YouTube Music plans see smaller hikes: the individual subscription goes to $11.99 from $10.99, while the family version climbs to $18.99 from $16.99. Student plans for both Premium and Music also rise by $1 to $8.99.

YouTube stated the adjustments support ongoing improvements and revenue sharing with creators. In an email to users, the company explained, "To continue delivering...