YouTube is launching ‘premium lite,’ a lower-cost paid tier for ad-free access to podcasts and non-music videos. It will roll out in the US, Australia, Germany, and Thailand.

Unlike the US$13.99 YouTube Premium plan, this tier will still include ads in music videos, requiring users to upgrade for a fully ad-free experience.

The company plans to expand this offering, aiming to give users more flexibility.

It was previously tested in select markets before this wider launch. Pricing and an exact release date have not been disclosed.

The launch comes amid growing competition in video and podcast spaces.

Platforms like Spotify are exploring new monetization strategies, which could impact YouTube creators’ revenue.

While ad income has been a major source, subscriptions may become more prominent.

Recent YouTube developments