NEW YORK (AP) — If you’re a subscriber to YouTube TV, brace yourself for another price hike in your monthly bill. Starting January 13, existing customers will see an increase of $10, bringing the new total to $82.99 per month. New subscribers will immediately encounter this updated price upon signing up.
YouTube announced this change on Thursday, attributing the rise in cost to “the rising cost of content” and additional investments. The platform expressed understanding of the financial strain this might place on its members, stating, “We don’t make these decisions lightly” in a post on X.
For those currently enjoying discounted rates, the price hike won’t affect them until their trial or promotional period ends. YouTube TV has provided an online FAQ for customers seeking more information on the adjustments.
Over the years, YouTube TV has seen a series of price increases. When it first launched in 2017, subscribers paid just $35 a month. By 2019, that amount had jumped to $50, and it has continued to rise, last reaching $72.99 in March 2023.
Previous price hikes were often linked to the addition of new channels and live streaming options for subscribers. However, recent increases have been attributed more to rising operational costs and licensing disputes.
YouTube TV currently offers an extensive selection of over 100 channels, including broadcast, cable, and regional sports networks, along with a DVR that boasts unlimited storage and the option for up to six accounts per household, allowing for three concurrent streams at a time. The company assures subscribers that these features will remain unchanged despite the price increase.
As streaming services become increasingly costly, consumers are finding it more challenging to manage multiple subscriptions. Major platforms like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Disney+ have also raised their prices in recent years or introduced initiatives such as ad-supported tiers and password limitations.
Additionally, many streaming services are capitalizing on bundle options to attract live viewers, and YouTube TV’s new monthly fee of $82.99 aligns it with Disney’s Hulu + Live TV bundle pricing.
As of February, YouTube TV reported having over 8 million subscribers, highlighting its significant presence in the competitive streaming market.
