Why did YouTube raise its monthly price? How much does it cost now?

Many have gotten used to inflation pushing up the prices of goods and services, but many YouTube TV subscribers were surprised when the price of their subscription increase twelve percent or by $8.

“As content costs have risen and we continue to invest in our quality of service, we’ll be adjusting our monthly cost, after 3 years, from $64.99/mo to $72.99/mo, in order to bring you the best possible TV service,” announced the company in a letter to subscribers. The company also announced that the price of the add-on to stream in 4K would be reduced from $19.99/month to $9.99/month.

Why is the price increasing?

The market for YouTube TV is made up of ‘cord cutters,’ otherwise known as households that no longer wished to pay for a cable subscription when streaming platforms became available. Many cut ties with major telecom companies that offered subscribers hundreds of channel options because of the price, and now with so much competition between streaming services, prices are rising. At some point, the prices could reach levels comparable to a cable package.

Those with YouTube Premium accounts should be aware that the price of their service remains the same.

What is YouTube TV?

In addition to streaming videos uploaded by popular (and not-so-popular) creators, YouTube TV allows subscribers to view live channels, including ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, The CW, and PBS. Aside from these channels, where programming differs slightly across the country, users also have access to CNN, Fox News, TNT, The Food Network, and others. Additionally, users can access on-demand content and, increasingly, live sporting events.

Last September, YouTube announced an “add-on” model that users could purchase to gain access to around twenty add-ons, including HBO Max, Showtime, Hallmark, and NBA League Pass. The ‘Entertainment Bundle add-on’ which includes HBO Max, SHOWTIME, and STARZ, costs $29.99/month. Meanwhile, the add-on for sports lovers only costs $10.99/month. Baseball fans should be aware that YouTube and the MLB failed to reach an agreement in January, and the latter has pulled all of its content from the platform.

For those with YouTube TV, Netflix, Hulu, and any other streaming service, the monthly bill for entertainment can get expensive. It is at this point that many will remember the days of high cable bills and ask whether or not their household is in a better position today, having to purchase more services in order to access all their favorite TV shows and movies.