Google has recently fortified its efforts to prevent unauthorized access to key YouTube Premium features. However, users will be pleased to know that the tech giant has now decided to provide an official means to obtain one of these sought-after features for a more reasonable price.
YouTube is broadening the scope of its more affordable Premium Lite plan by incorporating two fundamental Premium features. The more budget-friendly tier now includes background play and download options for the majority of its video content, while maintaining its $7.99 price tag.
Similar to the ad-free viewing provided by Premium Lite, background play and download abilities are restricted to certain types of content. Shorts, music-related content, and user-created videos featuring content from YouTube’s music partners are excluded from the download or background play features. Additionally, Premium Lite users may encounter ads while viewing music content, Shorts, or while navigating and searching on the platform.
The augmentation of YouTube’s Premium Lite features by Google seems to be a celebratory enhancement, akin to a birthday present for the plan. YouTube initially launched this more affordable subscription tier in March of the previous year, with its availability in fewer markets than the pricier $13.99 YouTube Premium. However, the Premium Lite plan can now be accessed in the United States, Great Britain, India, and approximately 20 other countries worldwide.
A few weeks prior, Google took action against a popular workaround that let users access the background play feature on YouTube via an external browser. The tech giant had stated that this feature was designed exclusively for YouTube Premium subscribers. But it seems this feature will now be accessible to YouTube Premium Lite users as well.
YouTube Premium Lite users may not immediately gain access to the new features. Google has announced that the global rollout began recently and will be fully implemented in the coming weeks.
Given that many users already subscribe to a music streaming service, it is logical for Google to present a “non-music” YouTube plan that incorporates key Premium features. The Premium Lite tier definitely holds more appeal for those who do not use YouTube for music streaming and are interested in having ad-free podcasts and talk shows playing in the background.
What new features are being added to YouTube’s Premium Lite plan?
Answer: YouTube’s Premium Lite plan is now going to include background play and download options for most of its video content.
Are there any restrictions for Premium Lite users?
Answer: Yes, background play and download features do not apply to Shorts, music-related content, and user-created videos that contain content from YouTube’s music partners. Also, these users may experience ads while watching music content, Shorts, or while browsing the platform.
When will Premium Lite users have access to these new features?
Answer: Google has announced a gradual rollout of these features, which began recently and will continue over the coming weeks.
