📍 California, USA – February 21, 2025 (NS News) YouTube is reportedly gearing up to launch YouTube Premium Lite, a cheaper ad-free subscription tier aimed at users who don’t need music content or extra features like background play and offline downloads.
The new plan is expected to roll out in the U.S., Australia, Germany, and Thailand, though there is no confirmation on its availability in Kenya or other regions.
What is YouTube Premium Lite?
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the Premium Lite plan will provide:
✅ Ad-free viewing for most videos
❌ No YouTube Music access
❌ No background play
❌ No offline downloads
The plan caters to users who mainly watch podcasts, tutorials, and general content, rather than those who rely on YouTube Music.
YouTube’s Official Statement
A YouTube spokesperson reportedly stated:
“As part of our commitment to provide users with more choice and flexibility, we’ve been testing a new YouTube Premium offering with most videos ad-free in several markets.”
The company also hinted at potential expansion based on user demand and partner support.
How Premium Lite Could Impact YouTubers
If launched, Premium Lite could affect creators’ earnings by shifting revenue from ads to subscriptions, similar to what happened with Spotify’s ad-free podcast plan.
📉 Potential Impact on YouTubers:
- Creators who depend on ad revenue may see lower earnings unless YouTube adjusts revenue sharing.
- Sponsorships and direct memberships may become more important for creators.
Expected Rollout & Pricing
🚀 Rumored launch countries: U.S., Australia, Germany, Thailand
💰 Expected pricing: Estimated to be half the cost of full YouTube Premium
YouTube previously tested Premium Lite in Europe (2021-2023) at €5.99/month, but the plan was later discontinued.
YouTube Premium Pricing in Kenya
Currently, YouTube Premium Lite is NOT available in Kenya, but users can subscribe to:
| Plan | Price (KES) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube Premium (Individual) | 499/month | Ad-free, background play, offline downloads |
| YouTube Premium (Family) | 949/month | Up to 6 users |
| YouTube Music (Individual) | 419/month | Music-only plan |
| YouTube Music (Family) | 669/month | Music-only plan for up to 6 users |
If YouTube Premium Lite launches in Kenya, it could provide a cheaper alternative for users who only want ad-free videos without extra features.
Is YouTube Premium Lite Worth It?
✅ Good for users who just want ad-free videos
❌ Lacks background play & offline downloads, which many users need
Since YouTube hasn’t officially confirmed the launch, users should wait for more details before deciding whether to switch.
📢 Stay tuned to NS News for updates on YouTube’s subscription changes! 🚀
