Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
TL;DR
- YouTube Premium Lite is back from the dead, after seeming to be canceled a year ago.
- Google is currently testing Premium Lite in Australia, Germany, and Thailand.
- Google’s long-term plans for Premium Lite are still unclear.
YouTube Premium is a controversial paid streaming service. It offers free access to content with ads, but now YouTube is testing a way for viewers to remove ads without a full Premium subscription. Google has revived Premium Lite for new testing.
Premium Lite was a discounted YouTube Premium plan that only removed ads, offering no additional features. While it was available in some countries before, it was shut down about a year ago.
Recently, reports emerged about YouTube Premium Lite being tested again. Google confirmed this new test in Australia, Germany, and Thailand, raising questions about its future plans for the subscription.
We’re testing a different version of Premium Lite, and some users in Australia, Germany, and Thailand may see the option to sign up.
There is uncertainty about how this version differs and if it will expand to more countries. The backtracking on their plans is also puzzling, but it could be a positive change for users looking for a more affordable option.
Hopefully, Google will clarify its approach to Premium Lite soon. Bringing it to the US would be well-received.