YouTube TV price hike
YouTube TV is hiking its monthly subscription fee once again, marking another round of price increases for the streaming service.
As of January 13, existing subscribers will see their bills rise from $72.99 to $82.99 per month. New subscribers will face this new rate immediately. YouTube attributed the increase to the “rising cost of content” and continued investments in the service. In a message to subscribers, YouTube acknowledged the impact of this price hike but emphasized its commitment to enhancing the service with new features like unlimited DVR storage and multiview options.
This is the latest in a series of price increases for YouTube TV, which has seen its rates climb steadily since its launch in 2017. Back then, the service cost just $35 per month. By 2019, the price had increased to $50, and it went up again in March 2023 to $72.99. These hikes have typically been attributed to the rising costs of licensing content and expanding the number of channels available on the platform. Despite the increase, YouTube TV maintains its offerings of over 100 channels, DVR capabilities, and up to six accounts per household with three concurrent streams.
Why the Price Is Going Up
YouTube TV’s latest price increase is driven by several factors, including the higher operational costs of providing content and expanding the service. The platform offers a variety of live TV options, including broadcast, cable, and regional sports networks, along with an on-demand library of movies and shows.
While YouTube TV’s offerings are similar to traditional cable TV, its price hike comes amid rising costs across the streaming industry. Major streaming platforms like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Disney+ have all raised their prices or introduced ad-supported tiers in response to higher production and content licensing costs.
The Subscriber Reaction
The price hike has been met with frustration from many longtime YouTube TV subscribers. Some users on Reddit shared their dissatisfaction, with one user expressing that they would cancel their subscription after the college football season. Another pointed out that they had been a subscriber since 2017 when the price was just $35 a month, adding that this increase may finally drive them to look for alternatives.
YouTube TV has acknowledged that some subscribers may decide to cancel due to the price increase. In the email sent to users, YouTube reminded subscribers that they have the option to pause or cancel their subscriptions at any time. Additionally, new customers can still take advantage of a discounted price of $59.99 per month for the first three months before the $82.99 rate kicks in.
Is YouTube TV Still Worth It?
Despite the price increase, YouTube TV continues to offer features that differentiate it from other streaming services. For sports enthusiasts, the platform is highly rated for its live sports coverage, offering extensive coverage of national and regional events. The platform also remains one of the best options for those who want a traditional cable-like experience with the flexibility of streaming.
However, with the rising cost of living and the increasing number of streaming subscriptions people juggle, many users are questioning whether YouTube TV is still worth the price. With competition from services like Hulu + Live TV, which offers a similar package for the same price, YouTube TV may face a challenge in retaining its subscriber base.
