YouTube Introduces 'Premium Lite' with Lower Cost but No Background Play

YouTube has launched Premium Lite offering an ad-free experience at a lower cost but with some limitations.

YouTube has officially launched YouTube Premium Lite, an affordable subscription that offers an ad-free experience at a lower price than YouTube Premium. Priced at USD7.99/month (approximately ₹700) in the US, this plan is designed for users who want to enjoy YouTube without ads but don’t need the full range of premium features.

YouTube Premium Lite vs. YouTube Premium: What’s Missing?

While YouTube Premium Lite offers an ad-free video experience, it comes with several limitations compared to the standard YouTube Premium subscription (USD13.99/month). Key restrictions include:

No Background Play – Unlike YouTube Premium, users cannot lock their screens or switch to other apps while watching videos. This makes it unsuitable for those who enjoy listening to music or podcasts in the background.

No YouTube Music – The YouTube Premium Lite plan does not include YouTube Music, limiting access to ad-free music streaming.

No Offline Downloads – Users cannot download videos for offline viewing, a popular feature available in the standard YouTube Premium package.

Essentially, YouTube Premium Lite is a basic, video-only subscription that provides an ad-free experience but lacks other premium perks.

YouTube’s decision to introduce an affordable subscription option comes amid rising demand for cost-effective streaming services. Many users want an ad-free experience but don’t necessarily require background play, music streaming, or offline downloads. The YouTube Lite plan caters to this audience, offering a middle ground between the free, ad-supported version and the full YouTube Premium subscription.

YouTube Premium Lite: Pricing & Availability

The YouTube Premium Lite pricing makes it an attractive option for users who only want ad-free videos at a lower cost. While initially launched in the US, YouTube is expected to expand the rollout based on demand. For those considering a YouTube Premium alternative, YouTube Premium Lite is a budget-friendly option—but for users who rely on background play, offline downloads, or YouTube Music, the full YouTube Premium subscription remains the better choice.

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