The streaming service YouTube recently hiked the prices announcing over 15 countries to such an extent that it put users in a fraught scenario. The price rise, originally reported to Android Authority and discussed broadly via platforms like Reddit, is impacting consumers in Europe together with South America, Asia, and the Middle East. Countries hit by the increase include Belgium, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates.
All About the YouTube Premium Price Hikes
This has yielded the greatest dividend in Norway with a 42% price increase to one YouTube Premium plan. Previously $11.33 per month, the price has been jumped to a little over $16. Sweden has also seen a sharp increase, with the family plan now priced at $27.38 per month, compared to the earlier $17.57. On average, the cost of individual plans has risen by 18%, while family plans have seen a 43% jump.
Many YouTube Premium subscribers are not happy about this price increase, particularly those with family plans. Many have taken to Reddit to voice their frustration, with some stating they plan to cancel their subscriptions due to the substantial increase.
And that is why, very interestingly, today the elevated prices have not yet shown up in countries like the United States and Canada. It is worth mentioning that YouTube Premium still costs $13.99 a month and the family plan runs $22.99 a month for U.S customers. The North American pricing stability encourages the same for other world regions, including India.
In India, YouTube Premium remains a popular option due to its affordable pricing. As of now, a single-user plan costs ₹199 per month, while a family plan costs ₹299 per month. Its competitive pricing has garnered a lot of subscribers who want to watch ad-free and receive other benefits. Still, with prices going up in many countries and the uncertain regulatory environment around the world, it has left users here wondering when (or if at all) they will get a hike.
However, considering the direction in which prices of similar services are rising everywhere in other markets it would be surprising if YouTube Premium does not see a price hike. So while YouTube has kept mum on the changes in Indian pricing, users are recommended to be vigilant for announcements end of this year. The recent steps taken by the platform suggest that a worldwide re-pricing exercise is taking place, which India might not be spared of.
