Latest news with #PremiumLite
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Google may launch YouTube Premium sans music amid antitrust probe
HighlightsGoogle is considering launching a cheaper version of YouTube Premium in South Korea, excluding the YouTube Music streaming component, to address anti-competitive concerns raised by the Fair Trade Commission. The Fair Trade Commission of South Korea has been investigating Google for allegedly bundling YouTube Music with YouTube Premium, which they claim restricts consumer choice and abuses market dominance. In the United States, YouTube has recently expanded its Premium Lite plan, which costs $7.99 per month, as part of efforts to provide more affordable options for users. Google may launch a cheaper version of YouTube Premium without its music streaming component in South Korea in a move aimed at addressing concerns over alleged anti-competitive practices, the country's antitrust watchdog said on Thursday. The self-proposed measure is part of negotiations between the U.S. tech giant and the Fair Trade Commission (FTC), which has been investigating Google over suspicions that it violated fair trade rules by bundling YouTube Music to its premium subscription service. In July last year, the FTC issued a report equivalent to a formal prosecution complaint, accusing Google Korea of unfairly bundling YouTube Music with YouTube Premium, thereby restricting consumer choice and abusing its market dominance, reports Yonhap news agency. The regulator claims Google's practice effectively forced consumers to subscribe to both services, limiting options for those who may have only wanted access to ad-free video streaming. Rather than pursuing a prolonged legal battle, Google has submitted a corrective action plan under the FTC's procedure known as a "consent decision." The mechanism allows the FTC to suspend its investigation if the company voluntarily proposes measures that address the alleged consumer harm. "The FTC will review the validity and appropriateness of Google's proposed corrective actions and will draw up a final consent decision plan," the FTC said Thursday, without disclosing when a final decision would be made. In South Korea, YouTube Premium currently costs 14,900 won (US$10.79) per month, while YouTube Music is offered separately for 11,990 won ($8.38) per month. In the United States, YouTube recently announced it is expanding its Premium Lite pilot program to local users. The Premium Lite plan costs $7.99 per month, significantly lower than the full YouTube Premium subscription at $13.99. In July last year, the US tech giant was accused of providing the YouTube Music streaming service to users of the ad-free YouTube premium program without additional charges in violation of the fair transaction law, and the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) has carried out an on-site probe since February last year. Officials have said the probe was focused on whether Google has abused its market dominance for implementing such a practice and that it has restricted fair competition in the industry.
Hans India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
South Korea: Google may launch YouTube Premium sans music amid antitrust probe
Google may launch a cheaper version of YouTube Premium without its music streaming component in South Korea in a move aimed at addressing concerns over alleged anti-competitive practices, the country's antitrust watchdog said on Thursday. The self-proposed measure is part of negotiations between the U.S. tech giant and the Fair Trade Commission (FTC), which has been investigating Google over suspicions that it violated fair trade rules by bundling YouTube Music to its premium subscription service. In July last year, the FTC issued a report equivalent to a formal prosecution complaint, accusing Google Korea of unfairly bundling YouTube Music with YouTube Premium, thereby restricting consumer choice and abusing its market dominance, reports Yonhap news agency. The regulator claims Google's practice effectively forced consumers to subscribe to both services, limiting options for those who may have only wanted access to ad-free video streaming. Rather than pursuing a prolonged legal battle, Google has submitted a corrective action plan under the FTC's procedure known as a "consent decision." The mechanism allows the FTC to suspend its investigation if the company voluntarily proposes measures that address the alleged consumer harm. "The FTC will review the validity and appropriateness of Google's proposed corrective actions and will draw up a final consent decision plan," the FTC said Thursday, without disclosing when a final decision would be made. In South Korea, YouTube Premium currently costs 14,900 won (US$10.79) per month, while YouTube Music is offered separately for 11,990 won ($8.38) per month. In the United States, YouTube recently announced it is expanding its Premium Lite pilot program to local users. The Premium Lite plan costs $7.99 per month, significantly lower than the full YouTube Premium subscription at $13.99. In July last year, the US tech giant was accused of providing the YouTube Music streaming service to users of the ad-free YouTube premium program without additional charges in violation of the fair transaction law, and the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) has carried out an on-site probe since February last year. Officials have said the probe was focused on whether Google has abused its market dominance for implementing such a practice and that it has restricted fair competition in the industry.
Scottish Sun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Google slashes price of YouTube plan that removes ads for ALL Brits by £60 a year after revealing new ‘Lite' option
There are a couple of downsides though TUBE GOOD TO BE TRUE? Google slashes price of YouTube plan that removes ads for ALL Brits by £60 a year after revealing new 'Lite' option GOOGLE is offering a discounted way for Brits to way to watch YouTube without ads. Normally you'd have to pay £12.99 for a YouTube Premium membership – but now there's a cheaper option. Advertisement 3 YouTube viewers will soon start seeing a new option for cheaper ad-free viewing in the UK Credit: The Sun / Google / YouTube The tech giant has finally launched its YouTube Premium Lite plan in the UK, The Sun can confirm. This discounted plan first launched in the US back in March. And now Google has confirmed that it's finally rolling out to Brits. The Sun can confirm that the offer is now live in the UK, with pricing set at £7.99 a month. Advertisement Read more on Google CHAT'S SO GOOD Text mistake we've all made can now be FIXED after Google makes huge change That means you're paying £5 less each month versus the Premium plan, saving you £60 a year. It'll remove ads on most YouTube clips, but won't take them off music videos. "We've been testing Premium Lite to make sure we have the right balance of features and benefits for those viewers who want to watch most videos ad-free," said Google's Jack Greenberg. "Whether it's gaming, comedy, cooking or learning. Advertisement "For users who want ad-free music on YouTube and YouTube Music, plus offline and background play, we recommend the Premium plan." Google says that ads will vanish from "most YouTube and YouTube Kids videos". Me at the Zoo - Relive the magic of first video ever posted on YouTube Premium Lite will work on any device, including your phone, laptop, and TV. But you might still see ads on music videos, Shorts, and when you're searching or browsing YouTube. Advertisement The US pilot began on March 5, 2025, and now it's rolling out more globally. "We're happy to share that we're expanding Premium Lite to viewers in Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Canada and Great Britain next," a YouTube community manager explained. 3 Google, which owns YouTube, says it's rolling out the new plan now Credit: Google "We're slowly rolling this out over the next couple days, so hold tight." Advertisement You can check if the new plan is available to you by going to this link. It's still possible to buy YouTube Premium in the UK for the full £12.99 monthly fee. This gets you several additional perks, not least the ability to watch all music videos ad-free. YOUTUBE PREMIUM VS PREMIUM LITE Here are the differences at a glance... YouTube Premium Lite Ad-free YouTube videos (mostly) Ad-free YouTube Kids (mostly) Price: £7.99 per month (Cancel anytime) YouTube Premium Ad-free YouTube videos (totally) Ad-free YouTube Kids (totally) Ad-free YouTube Music app Download and play offline Background Play Price: £12.99 per month (Cancel anytime) Picture Credit: Google / YouTube You're also able to download content for offline playback with YouTube Premium. Advertisement And the pricier plan also gets you the ability to play content in the background. Just last month, YouTube's first-ever video reached its 20-year anniversary. And the streaming giant recently confirmed plans to showcase a major sports event for free. 3 YouTube has started offering a cheaper alternative to its main YouTube Premium plan Credit: Google / YouTube
The Irish Sun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Google slashes price of YouTube plan that removes ads for ALL Brits by £60 a year after revealing new ‘Lite' option
GOOGLE is offering a discounted way for Brits to way to watch YouTube without ads. Normally you'd have to pay £12.99 for a YouTube Premium membership – but now there's a cheaper option. Advertisement 3 YouTube viewers will soon start seeing a new option for cheaper ad-free viewing in the UK Credit: The Sun / Google / YouTube The tech giant has finally launched its YouTube Premium Lite plan in the UK, The Sun can confirm. This discounted plan first launched in the US back in March. And now Google has confirmed that it's finally rolling out to Brits. The Sun can confirm that the offer is now live in the UK, with pricing set at £7.99 a month. Advertisement Read more on Google That means you're paying £5 less each month versus the Premium plan, saving you £60 a year. It'll remove ads on most YouTube clips, but won't take them off music videos. "We've been testing Premium Lite to make sure we have the right balance of features and benefits for those viewers who want to watch most videos ad-free," said Google's Jack Greenberg. "Whether it's gaming, comedy, cooking or learning. Advertisement Most read in Tech "For users who want ad-free music on YouTube and YouTube Music, plus offline and background play, we recommend the Premium plan." Google says that ads will vanish from "most YouTube and YouTube Kids videos". Me at the Zoo - Relive the magic of first video ever posted on YouTube Premium Lite will work on any device, including your phone, laptop, and TV. But you might still see ads on music videos, Shorts, and when you're searching or browsing YouTube. Advertisement The US pilot began on March 5, 2025, and now it's rolling out more globally. "We're happy to share that we're expanding Premium Lite to viewers in Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Canada and Great Britain next ," a YouTube community manager explained. 3 Google, which owns YouTube, says it's rolling out the new plan now Credit: Google "We're slowly rolling this out over the next couple days, so hold tight." Advertisement You can check if the new plan is available to you by going to this It's still possible to buy YouTube Premium in the UK for the full £12.99 monthly fee. This gets you several additional perks, not least the ability to watch all music videos ad-free. YOUTUBE PREMIUM VS PREMIUM LITE Here are the differences at a glance... YouTube Premium Lite Ad-free YouTube videos (mostly) Ad-free YouTube Kids (mostly) Price: £7.99 per month (Cancel anytime) YouTube Premium Ad-free YouTube videos (totally) Ad-free YouTube Kids (totally) Ad-free YouTube Music app Download and play offline Background Play Price: £12.99 per month (Cancel anytime) Picture Credit: Google / YouTube You're also able to download content for offline playback with YouTube Premium. Advertisement And the pricier plan also gets you the ability to play content in the background. Just last month, YouTube's And the streaming giant recently confirmed plans to 3 YouTube has started offering a cheaper alternative to its main YouTube Premium plan Credit: Google / YouTube Advertisement
The Verge
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Verge
YouTube Premium Lite comes to Canada and Britain.
YouTube Premium Lite comes to Canada and Britain. The cheaper subscription, which cuts ads on 'most' videos, but not music, is expanding to Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil too, after launching in the US in March. It's rolling out gradually, so check the Premium Lite site to see if you're eligible to sign up — I'm still not, but my colleague Tom apparently is.
