YouTube Expands Premium Subscription Options with New Two-Person Plan: Pricing, Availability, and What You Need to Know
YouTube is shaking up its subscription model with an experimental Premium plan designed for two-person households. Currently being tested in select markets including India, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and France, this new tier offers a cost-effective way for users to share ad-free viewing, offline downloads, and other Premium perks with one other person.
The move comes as YouTube aggressively pushes its paid subscription services to offset reliance on ad revenue. With Premium adoption growing but still limited by pricing concerns, this two-person plan could be a game-changer for couples, roommates, or small households unwilling to pay for full individual or family plans.
Breaking Down the Two-Person YouTube Premium Plan
Pricing varies by region, but the structure follows a clear logic: pay less than two individual plans but more than a single subscription. In India, where the test is most prominent, the two-person plan costs Rs 219 per month ($2.60). That’s a 26% discount compared to buying two individual Premium plans (Rs 298 or $3.53) and slightly cheaper than the Rs 299 ($3.54) Family plan that supports five users.
For context, here’s how YouTube Premium pricing compares across plans in key test markets:
India Pricing (Monthly)
– Individual: Rs 129 ($1.53)
– Two-Person: Rs 219 ($2.60)
– Family (5 users): Rs 299 ($3.54)
France Pricing (Monthly)
– Individual: €11.99 ($13.00)
– Two-Person: Not yet confirmed (expected ~€18-20)
– Family (5 users): €17.99 ($19.50)
Taiwan & Hong Kong Pricing
– Individual: ~$6-7/month
– Two-Person: Testing at ~$9-10/month
The US, where YouTube Premium costs $13.99/month for individuals and $22.99 for families, hasn’t been included in this test—but industry analysts predict a two-person tier could launch at around $18-20 if rolled out globally.
Why YouTube Is Testing This Now
YouTube’s subscription revenue grew 22% year-over-year in Q4 2023, but the platform faces pressure to convert more free users into paying customers. Recent tactics include:
1. Ad Blocker Crackdowns: In late 2023, YouTube escalated its war against ad blockers, restricting video playback for users employing them. This pushed some viewers toward Premium.
2. Enhanced Features: Premium subscribers get perks like 1080p Enhanced bitrate streaming, background playback, and exclusive content.
3. Cheaper Tiers: The Premium Lite plan (€6.99/month in Europe) offers reduced ads without full Premium benefits, catering to budget-conscious users.
The two-person plan fills a gap between individual and family plans, appealing to households where a 5-user subscription is overkill.
How the Two-Person Plan Works
Eligibility requires both users to:
– Be 13+ years old
– Have Google accounts in the same Family Group
– Reside in the same household (enforced via periodic location checks)
Once activated, the primary account holder manages billing, while the second member gets full Premium access except for parental controls (reserved for Family plans).
Potential Downsides and Limitations
1. No Mid-Tier Features: Unlike Spotify’s Duo plan (which includes a dedicated playlist feature), YouTube’s offering is purely a cost-saver without exclusive perks.
2. Household Enforcement: YouTube may use IP or device location data to verify cohabitation, which could inconvenience travelers or those with irregular living arrangements.
3. Regional Restrictions: Content licensing may limit some videos or music even on Premium plans, depending on the country.
Will This Replace Family Plans?
Unlikely. The Family plan remains the best value for groups of 3-5, offering parental controls and shared payments. However, the two-person tier could cannibalize individual subscriptions, as splitting costs makes Premium more accessible.
Expert Predictions for a Global Rollout
If testing succeeds, expect YouTube to expand the two-person plan to the US, UK, and other major markets by late 2024. Pricing will likely follow the same discount model—about 60-70% of the cost of two individual plans.
For example:
– US: $18/month (vs. $27.98 for two individual plans)
– UK: £16/month (vs. £23.98 for two individual plans)
How to Sign Up for the Two-Person Plan (If Available)
1. Go to YouTube Premium’s subscription page.
2. Select “Two-Person Plan” (if visible in your region).
3. Invite your household member via their Google account email.
4. Confirm billing details—note that payments are non-refundable if the second user leaves the plan.
Is YouTube Premium Worth It? A Feature Breakdown
For those debating an upgrade, here’s what Premium offers beyond ad-free viewing:
– Background playback (videos keep playing when switching apps)
– Downloads for offline viewing
– YouTube Music Premium included
– 1080p Enhanced streaming (higher bitrate)
– Early access to experimental features
Alternatives to YouTube Premium
1. Ad Blockers (Risky): YouTube actively blocks many, and violating Terms of Service could lead to account restrictions.
2. Regional Pricing Tricks: Some users subscribe via cheaper countries (e.g., India), but YouTube has cracked down on VPN abuse.
3. Free Trials: YouTube occasionally offers 1-3 month trials—ideal for testing before committing.
The Bottom Line
YouTube’s two-person Premium plan is a smart play to capture price-sensitive users who don’t need full family plans. While not revolutionary, it provides meaningful savings for couples or roommates. If you’re in a test region, splitting costs at Rs 219/month (or your local equivalent) is a no-brainer.
For everyone else, keep an eye out—this plan could arrive in your country soon. In the meantime, explore YouTube’s individual or family tiers to see if the ad-free experience justifies the cost.
Want the best YouTube Premium deal? Check current promotions here.
FAQ
Q: Can I switch from an individual to a two-person plan later?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to cancel your existing subscription and re-subscribe under the new tier.
Q: What happens if the second user leaves my household?
A: YouTube may revoke their access if location checks fail. You’d need to invite a new qualifying member.
Q: Does this plan include YouTube Music?
A: Yes, both users get full access to YouTube Music Premium.
Q: When will this come to the US?
A: No official date, but late 2024 is likely if tests succeed.
For the latest updates, follow YouTube’s official announcements or trusted tech news sources.
Ready to upgrade? Compare all YouTube Premium plans here.