YouTube Launches Affordable Premium Lite Plan in India at Rs 89

YouTube has unveiled a new, budget-friendly subscription plan for Indian audiences, aiming to make ad-free video streaming more accessible. The new offering, called YouTube Premium Lite, is priced at Rs 89 per month and primarily targets viewers who want uninterrupted videos without paying for the full premium package.

The move comes after YouTube tested the Lite version in select international markets earlier this year. With its introduction in India, the company is attempting to appeal to cost-conscious users who found the Rs 149 Premium plan slightly expensive. India, being one of the largest video-consuming markets in the world, is expected to play a major role in the adoption of this tier.

Globally, YouTube has over 125 million paying subscribers, a figure that includes both Premium and Music users along with those still on free trials. With the launch of Premium Lite in India, YouTube is confident that this number will rise further, especially given the growing appetite for digital entertainment in the country.

Unlike the complete Premium subscription, the Lite version strips down to the core benefit: ad-free viewing on most YouTube videos. It does not, however, include advanced features such as background play, offline downloads, or access to YouTube Music. For users frustrated with mid-roll advertisements, the Lite plan offers relief, albeit with some restrictions.

According to a company spokesperson, “the new tier is designed to give people more flexibility.” YouTube added that alongside existing Premium options, this affordable alternative would also “create additional revenue opportunities for creators and partners on the platform.” The rollout will take place in phases, with full availability expected in the coming weeks.

The subscription is compatible across multiple devices including smartphones, laptops, and smart TVs, ensuring that users enjoy an ad-light experience no matter how they consume content. Still, there are some caveats. Ads may continue to appear in certain areas such as YouTube Shorts, music-related videos, and while browsing or searching. These distinctions set it apart from the full Premium plan, which guarantees a completely ad-free experience across the platform.

From YouTube’s perspective, the new plan reflects its strategy to adapt to India’s dynamic digital landscape. While video consumption has surged in the country, a majority of viewers continue to depend on the free, ad-supported model. By offering a lower-priced subscription, YouTube hopes to tap into that segment and encourage more users to pay for a smoother viewing experience.

For creators, this development could also prove beneficial. With more users shifting toward subscriptions, YouTube says it will unlock additional ways for creators to earn revenue, providing greater stability beyond just ads.

Ultimately, the decision for viewers comes down to what they value more. At Rs 89 per month, Premium Lite eliminates most interruptions, while the Rs 149 Premium plan includes YouTube Music, offline downloads, and a fully ad-free experience. For some, the savings will be worth the trade-offs; for others, the complete package may still feel like the better deal.