Google set to end $7.99 YouTube Premium pricing for its legacy subscribers

Back in 2014, YouTube took its first steps into music streaming with Music Key, offering early subscribers a sweet deal: ad-free streaming and offline access for just $7.99 a month.

Over time, Music Key evolved into what we now know as YouTube Premium, expanding to include ad-free video streaming, background play, and offline downloads. Despite these added perks and periodic price hikes for new users, those original Music Key subscribers have enjoyed the same $7.99 rate for nearly a decade.

Now, this era of grandfathered pricing appears to be ending. Reports from Androidpolice indicate that YouTube has started notifying these set subscribers in Europe and South America of these changes.

And the new price adjustments are substantial, with the Premium family plan in parts of Europe rising from €12.99 ($13.90) to €20.99 ($22.46)—a 61% increase. Similarly, in Costa Rica, the family plan has jumped from approximately $11 (5,690 CRC) to $16 (8,390 CRC), marking a 47% hike.

Even individual student plans, previously excluded from such increases, are reportedly affected this time around.

If you pay for YouTube Premium, you could pay 40% more

It may be time to opt for more affordable alternatives to keep your subscription spending low.

TechloyLouis Eriakha

Meanwhile, legacy Music Key subscribers have been given a three-month grace period before their rates match the new €10.99 ($11.76) individual Premium cost.

While these increases are currently focused on international markets, US subscribers still benefiting from early Music Key rates may face similar adjustments soon, as YouTube is expected to roll out a consistent pricing structure worldwide.

In response to these price hikes, YouTube has revived its Premium Lite plan—a more affordable alternative offering ad-free viewing but with limited ads on music videos and Shorts.

YouTube re-launches its Premium Lite plan

This time, there’s a slight difference - it comes with “limited ads”

TechloyLouis Eriakha

Currently available in select markets, such as Australia, Germany, and Thailand, Premium Lite lack features like background play and offline downloads, making it a potential budget-friendly but less feature-rich option.

As streaming services like Disney Plus and Hulu also raise prices, YouTube’s move underscores a broader trend across the industry, prompting many subscribers to reassess their budgets.