YouTube, as expected on Wednesday, announced the expansion of its Premium Lite pilot to users in the United States.
Jack Greenberg, Director of Product Management for YouTube Premium, said, “Premium Lite provides a more affordable way for viewers to watch most YouTube videos without ads.” He noted that this rollout aligns with YouTube Music and Premium surpassing 125 million subscribers worldwide, including trial users.
Greenberg highlighted, “YouTube has always aimed to offer multiple ways for users to enjoy content, and expanding Premium Lite is another step in that direction.” He added that it also creates extra revenue opportunities for creators and partners.
What Premium Lite Offers
The company has tested Premium Lite to strike the right balance of features for viewers who want ad-free videos—whether gaming, cooking, comedy, or educational content. Greenberg clarified that users seeking ad-free music, offline playback, and background play should opt for the full YouTube Premium plan.
“YouTube offers a wide range of content, from scripted dramas to podcasts and live gaming streams. With Premium Lite, users can enjoy their favorite videos with fewer interruptions,” Greenberg said.
Where Ads Still Appear
YouTube explained that while Premium Lite removes ads from most videos, they may still appear on:
- Music content
- YouTube Shorts
- Search and browsing pages
Pricing and Availability
Premium Lite launches in the U.S. at USD 7.99 (Rs. 695 approx.) per month, compared to the standard YouTube Premium plan at USD 13.99 (Rs. 1,217 approx.) per month.
It works across devices. In the coming weeks, YouTube will extend Premium Lite to all users in its current pilot markets: Thailand, Germany, and Australia.
Greenberg added that YouTube plans to bring Premium Lite to more countries this year and explore new ways to enhance user subscriptions.