- YouTube TV has received a $10 price hike, making it over 137 percent more expensive than its 2017 launch price.
- Existing customers can enjoy current pricing until January 13, 2025, while new subscribers start at $82.99 immediately.
- Despite increased pricing, 4K Plus remains an add-on at $10, with users urging it be included in the base plan
Another day, another price increase on YouTube — but this time, it’s not related to YouTube Premium.
YouTube TV, Google’s TV streaming service, saw a price hike back in March 2023. Now, just over 1.5 years later, the service, which offers live TV from major broadcast networks and unlimited DVR space, is getting another $10 price increase. This means YouTube TV is now more than 137% more expensive than when it first launched in 2017
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YouTube TV has started notifying subscribers about the price increase via email, explaining that the hike is due to ‘the rising cost of content and the investments we make in the quality of our service.’ The new pricing will take effect on January 13, 2025, for existing customers, allowing them to enjoy one more month of service at the current rate of $72.99. However, new subscribers will immediately be charged the new rate of $82.99.
For context, YouTube TV initially launched in 2017 with a $35/month price tag. It was quickly increased to $39.99/month, but it wasn’t until April 2019 that the service saw its first significant price hike, rising to $50/month for the base plan.
In March 2020, the service added eight new channels from ViacomCBS, accompanied by a $15 price increase, pushing the cost to $65 and bringing YouTube TV’s pricing closer to traditional cable subscriptions.
Last year marked a turning point for many subscribers, as the base plan price surged to $73/month, officially more than doubling its original cost from 2017. Now, with the price set to rise to $83, YouTube TV is beginning to feel like an expensive option.
In a support post, the tech giant emphasized that the updated price will still include over 100 channels, a DVR with unlimited storage, up to 6 accounts per household, and 3 concurrent streams. Additionally, there will be no extra fees for broadcast, HD, set-top box, or DVR.
YouTube TV also clarified that if you are currently on a promotional plan or a three-month trial with discounted pricing, you will continue paying the lower subscription cost. However, after the trial or promotion ends, you’ll be charged the new standard base price of $82.99.
With the increased pricing, users are arguing that the service should include 4K Plus content at no additional cost. For reference, 4K Plus is an extra add-on on top of the base YouTube TV subscription and costs an additional $10.
It is unlikely that Google will pay heed, but you voice your opinion through a dedicated feedback form for the updated pricing. Note that the form seems to be down right now, with a pop-up message indicating that the page is “currently experiencing high contact volumes.” The error should subside soon.