Joe Maring/Android Authority
A lot of streaming services have raised their prices recently, and YouTube Premium has finally joined the pack. Premium prices now start at $15.99 for individual monthly plans, a far cry from the $9.99 pricing of YouTube Red (2015) and the $11.99 launch price of Premium (2018). The upward changes are reflected in all YouTube Premium plans.
| YouTube Premium prices (old price, July 2023 – March 2026) | YouTube Premium prices (new prices, March 2026 onwards) | |
|---|---|---|
|
individual (monthly) |
YouTube Premium prices (old price, July 2023 – March 2026)
$13.99 |
YouTube Premium prices (new prices, March 2026 onwards)
$15.99 |
|
Individual (Annual) |
YouTube Premium prices (old price, July 2023 – March 2026)
$139.99 |
YouTube Premium prices (new prices, March 2026 onwards)
$159.99 |
|
Family (monthly) – up to six members |
YouTube Premium prices (old price, July 2023 – March 2026)
$22.99 |
YouTube Premium prices (new prices, March 2026 onwards)
$26.99 |
|
Lite (Monthly, Individual) |
YouTube Premium prices (old price, July 2023 – March 2026)
$7.99 |
YouTube Premium prices (new prices, March 2026 onwards)
$8.99 |
|
Student (Monthly, Individual) |
YouTube Premium prices (old price, July 2023 – March 2026)
$7.99 |
YouTube Premium prices (new prices, March 2026 onwards)
$8.99 |
To YouTube’s credit, this is the first major adjustment since July 2023. However, because this increase occurred without a formal press release or public warning, “sticker shock” is evident in the community.
On platforms like Reddit, the conversation has quickly shifted from surprise to calculation. While many users swear by the ad-free viewing and convenience of YouTube Music, others are feeling that the cumulative cost of streaming services is finally reaching breaking point. For some people, the $1 to $4 increase is a minor annoyance, but for othersThis is the catalyst for ultimately pressing the “Cancel” button.
Don’t want to miss the best of Android Authority?


The big question: stay or go?
We want to know where our readers stand. For most of you on Android and the web, the choice depends on the cost of the subscription versus the value of your time spent watching ads. Is removing ads and adding background play still worth the premium price tag, or are you looking for the opt-out?
How will you react to the YouTube Premium price increase?
17 votes
Are you sticking around for the long haul, or was this the last straw? If you’re staying put, which feature makes YouTube Premium indispensable for you? If you’re going to, will you quit YouTube altogether, make peace with ads, or live a “cat and mouse” ad-blocking life?
Leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts on YouTube’s latest pricing strategy.
Thank you for being a part of our community. Please read our comment policy before posting.
