Google has a reputation for discontinuing its services, often with little chance of a return. One such example is the YouTube Premium Lite plan, which was removed last year after a limited testing phase in select countries, never expanding it to the U.S. However, recent reports indicate that Google might be reviving the YouTube Premium Lite plan, as it has started testing a new version in Australia, Germany, and Thailand.
Google confirmed to Android Authority that it is exploring a different version of YouTube Premium Lite in these regions. Some users may notice the option to sign up for this service, though the company has not provided details on what changes have been made or whether the plan will be introduced to other markets.
YouTube Premium Lite is designed as a more affordable alternative to the full Premium subscription. Unlike the comprehensive version, it only removes ads from videos, omitting additional features such as access to YouTube Music, offline downloads, and background playback. There are suggestions that this new iteration might include “limited ads” instead of completely eliminating them, raising questions about the value proposition for potential subscribers.
Despite its limitations, YouTube Premium Lite gained popularity among users who wanted to rid themselves of the most annoying aspect of using YouTube—advertisements—while paying nearly half the price of the full subscription. The plan’s demise last year was met with disappointment, but the renewed testing in Australia seems promising.
Currently, in Australia, Google appears to be testing two variations of the YouTube Premium Lite plan. Some users report seeing a monthly price of AUD 11.99, which is about half of the standard AUD 22.99 fee for the full subscription. Others have spotted even lower pricing at AUD 8.99 per month. This price point could make a significant difference for users looking for an economical way to enjoy YouTube without ads.
As of now, it remains unclear whether the new YouTube Premium Lite plan will eventually be rolled out in the U.S. or fully launched in the countries where it is currently being tested. Given Google’s history of discontinuing services, skepticism is warranted. However, there is hope that the company will commit to this initiative, especially since many users are looking for a more budget-friendly option.
While Google has been gradually introducing some Premium features to free users, the cost of a full YouTube Premium subscription has been rising in various regions. In light of this trend, a more affordable alternative like YouTube Premium Lite could provide a valuable solution for those wanting to enjoy an ad-free experience without committing to all the extra features included in the full subscription.
The potential return of YouTube Premium Lite represents an opportunity for Google to cater to users who are price-sensitive but still wish to improve their viewing experience. If the testing proves successful and the plan receives a favorable reception, there is a chance it could roll out more widely, offering a much-needed alternative for YouTube users around the world.
In summary, while Google has a reputation for discontinuing services, the testing of the YouTube Premium Lite plan in select countries suggests the company may be reconsidering its approach to offering users a more affordable way to access its platform without ads. The results of this testing phase will likely determine whether YouTube Premium Lite becomes a permanent fixture in Google’s service lineup.
