YouTube Premium prices are on the rise across multiple countries, including Australia،
YouTube and several other streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ are no strangers to price increases. With more than 2.7 billion monthly YouTube users, a significant portion of the 80 million Premium subscribers are about to experience another increase in subscription fees. This deja vu happened last year, hit the United States in early summer, and is now spreading globally. Reddit (via 9to5Google) reveal that YouTube Premium and YouTube Music Premium users in Germany, Australia, Argentina, Chile, Poland and other countries have received emails about a substantial price increase. The new rates come into effect on November 1 for individual, family and student plans.
Previously, YouTube Premium in Australia cost AU$12 per month. After an increase of AU$5, it will now be AU$17 per month. The family plan also takes a hit, going from AU$23 to AU$33 per month. For those on the grandfathered plan, the increase is even greater, going 83% from AU$18 to AU$33 per month.
Existing subscribers will see the new pricing during their next billing cycle. In its email announcement, YouTube states that the company does not “take these decisions lightly” and claims that rising prices will contribute to “continue to improve Premium and support the creators and artists you watch on YouTube“.
For long-term subscribers in Australia, the higher rate will not apply until April 2024, giving them an extra three months at the existing rate as a sign of loyalty.
In Germany, YouTube Premium is getting a €1 increase from €12 to €13 per month. The family plan goes up more quickly, increasing from €6 to €24 per month. New users will feel the impact immediately while existing subscribers will see the changes 30 days after their next billing cycle.
This global price adjustment follows YouTube’s recent decision to block users using ad blockers, thereby indirectly incentivizing users to pay for the service. YouTube Premium offers an ad-free experience, among other premium features like audio-only playback for videos and downloading content for offline viewing.
