Following an announcement by YouTube that it has initiated a global effort to encourage users to allow ads or try YouTube Premium, the video sharing platform has now raised its monthly subscription prices in seven different countries.
YouTube Premium subscribers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Chile, Germany, Poland, and Turkey have reported these price increases.
According to screenshots posted on the Reddit page r/YouTube that show an email notification from YouTube to affected subscribers, the platform states that it does not make such decisions lightly.
The email also mentions that the price adjustment will enable the company to continue improving Premium and supporting the creators and artists on YouTube.
In certain countries, users will experience a hike in YouTube Premium pricing. For example, Australians will see their family plans’ prices rise by approximately 43%, from A$22.99 (RM70) to A$32.99 (RM100) per month.
Grandfathered subscribers face substantial increases, with the old Australian plan going from A$17.99 (RM55) to A$32.99, indicating an 83% leap.
Meanwhile, in Germany, the standard YouTube monthly subscription plan has increased from €12 (RM60) to €13 (RM65).
These new rates have been effective as of November 1, and current users will see the updated prices reflected in their upcoming billing cycle.
However, grandfathered plan subscribers will not experience the rate change immediately; they will be exempt for three months as a token of appreciation for their loyalty.
It is currently unclear whether local users will face a similar increase in YouTube Premium subscription fees. Earlier this year, the platform raised family plan pricing in Malaysia in May, going from RM26.90 to RM33.90.
At that time, there were no changes made to the local Premium and Student monthly subscription offerings.
