YouTube TV Announces Monthly Subscription Increase to $82.99 Starting January

Subscribers of YouTube TV are facing yet another spike in their monthly payments as YouTube, owned by Alphabet, announced an increase in the price of their widely used TV streaming service. Currently boasting over 8 million subscribers, the service will see its cost rise to $82.99 per month, an increase from the previous $72.99. This change will take effect in January, marking the latest escalation attributed to soaring content costs, as disclosed by the company.

Impact on Subscribers

In an email to subscribers, YouTube TV expressed their understanding of the impact this decision would have on their members, emphasizing their commitment to providing features that enhance the live TV experience. The price hike will be reflected in members' first billing cycle after 13th January. Subscribers have the option to review their subscription plan by navigating to their account membership settings. The company acknowledged that some viewers might reconsider their subscriptions in light of the price increase and reminded customers of their flexibility to do so at any time.

Industry-Wide Trend

This price rise is not an isolated case, as major streaming services have followed suit, impacting consumers across the board. Just a few months ago, in August, Disney announced a $2 increase in the prices of both its ad-supported and ad-free Disney+ services, bringing the ad-supported subscription to $9.99 and the ad-free version to $15.99, on a monthly basis. Moreover, the price of Hulu + Live TV bundle also saw an upward adjustment. Other prominent players in the streaming industry, such as Apple TV+, Disney+, and Paramount+, have also implemented similar measures, raising prices, introducing new service tiers, or tightening password sharing protocols.

Pricing Evolution

The new $82.99 price tag for YouTube TV aligns with the cost of the Hulu + Live TV bundle offered by Disney. Since its inception in 2017, YouTube TV has steadily increased its prices. The subscription initially cost $35 per month, which rose to $50 by 2019. The last price hike occurred in March 2023, bringing the charge to $72.99.

This continuous increase in streaming service prices is raising concerns among consumers, who are now faced with the challenge of managing their entertainment expenses. As more streaming platforms adopt similar strategies, it's imperative for consumers to stay informed about these changes and make necessary adjustments to their subscriptions to align with their budgets.