YouTube Premium users in several European countries are facing significant subscription price increases starting in November.
Fee Rise in 16 Countries
This change affects both individual and family plans, coinciding with a surge in advertisements for users of the free service.
YouTube Premium has evolved to offer a range of benefits, including access to YouTube Music, the ability to play videos in the background, downloading videos for offline viewing, and exclusive content like original films and series. However, recent reports indicate that these advantages may come at a higher cost, according to Ziare.
According to discussions on Reddit, subscribers in at least 16 countries will see their fees rise. In countries such as Italy, Ireland, Belgium, and the Netherlands, individual subscriptions have increased by €2, bringing the total to €13.99. Family plan subscriptions have seen even steeper increases, soaring by €8 to reach €26.
Criticism From Users
For users subscribed through Apple devices, the situation is even more challenging. Reports indicate that price hikes could reach up to 60%, attributed to an additional fee for payments made via Apple’s payment system.
Even if users cancel their subscriptions to re-sign up directly through Google, the increased rates still apply.
YouTube justifies these increases by stating they are necessary to maintain quality services and support active creators and artists on the platform. However, the price hikes have drawn criticism from users, many of whom have expressed frustration on online forums and indicated plans to cancel their subscriptions.
This backlash has led to a growing interest in more affordable alternatives, such as Spotify and Apple Music, which still offer competitive pricing.
