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YouTube is becoming the primary source for videos, music, and podcasts for many. Ad-free streaming and background playback have long been standard for many – albeit at the price of a monthly Premium subscription. Until now, the only options available were individual subscriptions, family subscriptions, or the slimmed-down Premium Lite. Now YouTube is launching a new test: a Premium subscription for two people.
In select countries, YouTube is currently testing a new subscription model that allows two people to use a Premium subscription together – at a lower price than the family plan. The new plan is aimed at two users who live at the same address. The focus is on providing an affordable entry into the ad-free YouTube world without sacrificing core Premium features.
What does the two-person subscription offer specifically
The new subscription is comparable to the Spotify Duo plan. Two people share a premium account and receive access to the most important features:
- Videos without advertising
- Background playback on mobile devices
- Ability to save content offline
- Use of YouTube Originals and other premium benefits
According to YouTube, both users must live at the same address. This is intended to prevent the subscription from being widely shared. Pricing for the trial has not yet been announced, but is likely to be below the family price.
Where will the new subscription be tested
The test is currently running in these four countries:
- India
- France
- Taiwan
- Hong Kong
YouTube hasn't yet announced whether or when the test will be expanded to other regions, such as Germany, the US, or other European countries. Currently, it's a regionally limited attempt to make the Premium offering more flexible.
Why YouTube is testing the new tariff
According to a YouTube spokesperson, the new model is an experiment to create more flexibility and added value for Premium subscribers. The new two-person plan could particularly appeal to users who don't need a full family subscription but still don't want to pay alone. YouTube is likely also responding to criticism of recent price increases. The new model could be a strategy to win back former subscribers or attract new customers with a more affordable entry point.
Additional context: Premium Lite as a precursor
Back in March, YouTube introduced the "Premium Lite" model, a cheaper alternative for users who simply want to watch ad-free but don't need access to music streaming or other features. This Lite subscription is currently available in the US, Germany, Australia, and Thailand, demonstrating that YouTube is testing different subscription tiers to appeal to a wider audience (via Money Control).
YouTube is testing the premium subscription for two
YouTube is currently experimenting with a two-person subscription, intended to bridge the gap between the individual and family plans. This could be an attractive option for users who want to use YouTube Premium with a second person but don't have five family members. The model is currently limited to four countries, but if feedback is positive, expansion is certainly conceivable. If you use YouTube regularly but find the individual subscription too expensive, this new model could soon be of interest to you, too—assuming YouTube rolls it out to more countries. (Image: Shutterstock / JarTee)
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