YouTube has announced its new Premium Lite service in the US, which offers users ad-free access to most videos for $7.99 a month. However, this new tier does not include access to YouTube Music or ad-free music videos.

As part of expanding its offerings, YouTube intends to roll out the Premium Lite service to additional countries, aiming to enhance revenue opportunities. This move comes after feedback from users expressing dissatisfaction with the increasing number of ads in recent months, leading to a demand for a more cost-effective subscription option.

Key Points

• The Premium Lite tier costs $7.99 and provides ad-free access to most content.
• It does not allow offline downloads or background play.
• Ads will still appear in content such as Shorts or while browsing.
• YouTube Premium remains the standard service at $13.99, which provides a more comprehensive ad-free experience, including access to YouTube Music.

YouTube’s expansion of this service could signal a shift in how streaming platforms approach subscription models, especially as they navigate user expectations and ad revenue challenges.