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If you’ve been enjoying YouTube Premium at a monthly rate of $7.99 without any price hikes, it’s time for some disappointing news. Reports from Android Authority indicate that your subscription cost will be increasing to the current rate of $13.99, just like countless other users.
YouTube first launched “Music Key” back in 2014, which was the predecessor to YouTube Music. Initially, this invite-only beta service charged $7.99 a month and concentrated solely on music content, providing ad-free music videos, offline downloads, and the ability to play songs in the background.
In 2015, Music Key was rebranded as “YouTube Red,” expanding its ad-free services to all types of videos. The subscription fee was adjusted to $9.99 per month, yet existing Music Key subscribers could maintain their original price without increases.
By 2018, YouTube underwent another branding change, this time introducing “YouTube Premium” and launching YouTube Music as a standalone service. The price for new subscribers rose from $9.99 to $11.99 per month, but current subscribers retained their previous rates.
Recently, YouTube enacted its first notable price hike for U.S. subscribers since the launch of Premium. Monthly rates for individual plans went up by $2 to a total of $13.99, annual subscriptions increased from $119.99 to $139.99, and student plans shifted from $6.99 to $7.99 per month. The price for YouTube Music Premium also rose by $1 to $10.99 monthly.
In the following year, subscribers who had been paying $9.99 since the YouTube Red days were moved to the full $13.99 rate. However, the earliest subscribers who remained at the $7.99 rate from the Music Key era could continue enjoying their legacy pricing.
This grandfathered price is set to be phased out by late 2024, beginning in Europe and expanding globally. Original subscribers face a steep increase of 75% from their longstanding $7.99 to the new $13.99 standard rate.
As of April 2025, YouTube Premium offers a variety of benefits aimed to enhance the overall experience for its subscribers. One of the standout features is ad-free viewing across all platforms, providing uninterrupted access to content.
Another crucial aspect is background play, which allows audio to continue playing even when the app is minimized or the screen is locked—a perfect feature for enjoying music or podcasts.
Additionally, Premium users can download videos and playlists for offline viewing, which is great for travel or times when internet connectivity isn’t available.
Subscribers also gain complete access to YouTube Music Premium, which means ad-free music streaming, background listening options within the YouTube Music app, and the capability to download songs and playlists for offline use.
Some users might also have access to additional features like enhanced bitrate streaming options (such as 1080p Premium) for better quality on compatible devices, though the availability may differ.
Google is currently reaching out to early adopters of YouTube Premium to inform them about the price adjustment. We’ve contacted Google regarding this increase and will update you if we receive a response.
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