YouTube is giving Indian users a budget-friendly experience to stream ad-free videos with the launch of its new ‘Premium Lite’ plan, priced at just ₹89 per month.
The plan is introduced for viewers who want uninterrupted video playback without paying for the full-featured YouTube Premium subscription. With Premium Lite, most videos on smartphones, tablets, desktops, and smart TVs can now be streamed ad-free.
However, the budget plan comes with clear trade-offs. Unlike the regular Premium subscription, Premium Lite does not include music streaming on YouTube Music, offline downloads, or background playback. These are features that are highly popular among users. There is no escape from Ads as they may also continue to appear in Shorts, music-related videos, search results, and browsing feeds.
By pricing the plan at less than a third of the standard Premium cost, YouTube is targeting India’s vast base of casual video-watchers who mainly consume short or long-form videos but don’t necessarily need premium music or offline perks.
The rollout also reflects YouTube’s wider strategy of tailoring subscription models to suit different markets and budgets. India, one of YouTube’s largest consumer bases, is likely to see strong uptake from price-sensitive users frustrated with frequent ad interruptions.
The Premium Lite plan is already being introduced gradually and is set to be available nationwide in the coming weeks. By doing so, YouTube is looking to balance affordability with user convenience that could reshape viewing habits in one of its fastest-growing markets.
Also Read: Zelio E-Mobility Launches ₹78 Crore SME IPO