YouTube Premium Lite subscription to skip most ads, without full Premium features like offline playback or YouTube Music
YouTube launched Premium Lite in India, priced at ₹89 per month. It’s ₹60 cheaper than the standard Premium membership in the country. The new tier is rolling out now, with plans for widespread availability across India over the coming weeks.
YouTube said in its official blog post (on 29 Sep),
“Today we'll begin expanding our Premium Lite pilot to users in India. Premium Lite gives viewers a new, more affordable way to enjoy most videos on YouTube ad-free for ₹89 per month. This expansion comes as YouTube Music and Premium reach over 125 million subscribers, including trials globally.”
What You Get And What You Don’t
At its core, Premium Lite offers ad-free viewing for most videos across devices like phones, laptops, and smart TVs. However, there are notable limitations when comparing YouTube Premium Lite vs Premium:
- Ads may still appear on music videos, Shorts, and during browse/search sessions.
- Features like background play, offline downloads, or full access to YouTube Music are excluded.
- For users who want a completely ad-free experience (including music) or offline play, YouTube still recommends the full Premium plan.
In India, a full Premium membership currently costs more (roughly ₹149/month for individuals), making this Lite option appealing to those who primarily want fewer interruptions while watching video content.
The Strategy Behind Lite
YouTube’s move is part of a broader push to diversify its subscription mix. Globally, YouTube Music and Premium have crossed 125 million subscribers, including those in trial phases. By offering a lower-price tier, the company hopes to convert more ad-supported users into paying ones.
Also, YouTube suggests that the expansion of Premium Lite “continues to create additional revenue opportunities for our creators and partners.” Moreover, for creators, more paying users could mean a more stable revenue base beyond ad impressions.
Still, India is a price-sensitive market, and many users resist switching to paid tiers due to the higher cost. This Lite version gives them an inroad: ad-free viewing at a modest fee. But whether many of today’s free users will upgrade is yet to be seen.
Although the rollout is gradual, not every user will see the option immediately. YouTube has confirmed that full availability across India is expected in the coming weeks. For users deciding between Lite and full Premium, the choice will likely come down to how much they value offline play, background listening, and ad-free music. But for many who just want smoother video watching without constant ad breaks, the ₹89 subscription plan may be persuasive.
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