YouTube Premium is Getting More Expensive
“Streamflation” hits YouTube viewers
Quite a few streaming services have already raised their prices for 2026, and it’s not stopping at just television. YouTube Premium and YouTube Music, the subscription plans that remove ads from YouTube videos, are both getting more expensive effective immediately.
YouTube Premium is going up by two dollars a month and YouTube Music is going up by one dollar. This might not sound like a lot, but it’s just part of a larger phenomenon.
We’re in the midst of what the Hollywood Reporter is calling “streamflation.” According to their data, streaming service prices are increasing far quicker than other categories like food and energy. In my own research at CableTV.com, I’ve noticed that streaming prices that used to stay stagnant for years at a time are now increasing annually, often outpacing the rate of inflation.
So I’m not surprised that YouTube is raising its prices in 2026. I wouldn’t even be surprised if they increased prices again next year (although I bet it would lose them a fair number of subscribers). I’m just bummed out—$15.99/mo. is a lot for something that can also be achieved with a good ad-blocker.
Yep, this new price increase brings YouTube Premium up to $15.99/mo. Looking for a full rundown on the new prices for every YouTube Premium plan? Keep reading.
How much does it cost to remove ads on YouTube now?
| Old price | New price | |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube Premium | $13.99/mo. | $15.99/mo. |
| YouTube Music | $10.99/mo. | $11.99/mo. |
| YouTube Premium Lite | $7.99/mo. | $8.99/mo. |
| YouTube Premium Family | $22.99/mo. | $26.99/mo. |
| YouTube Premium Student | $7.99/mo. | $8.99/mo. |
If you’re unfamiliar with YouTube’s current pricing system, YouTube Music only removes ads from music videos, and YouTube Premium Lite removes ads from everything but music videos. YouTube Premium removes ads from all kinds of videos.
YouTube Premium Family removes ads from all videos on up to six accounts. YouTube Premium Student provides a discounted rate to students and requires an annual verification.
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