YouTube is currently piloting an innovative two-person Premium subscription tier in select markets, offering users a cost-effective way to enjoy ad-free content and premium features. The new plan, available in India, France, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, allows two individuals sharing a household to split the subscription cost while retaining core benefits like background playback and offline viewing.
This strategic move mirrors popular shared subscription models seen in other streaming services, such as Spotify’s Duo plan, and addresses growing demand for flexible pricing options. By introducing this tier, YouTube aims to retain existing subscribers and attract price-sensitive users who may have hesitated to commit to individual or family plans following recent price increases.
The two-person plan arrives as part of YouTube’s broader push to expand its subscription offerings. Earlier this year, the platform launched Premium Lite—a $7.99/month ad-free viewing option currently available in the U.S., Australia, Germany, and Thailand. These initiatives come as YouTube Music and YouTube Premium collectively surpass 125 million global subscribers, including trial users.
While the company hasn’t confirmed expansion plans for the shared subscription tier, industry analysts suggest this test could help YouTube compete more effectively in markets where family plans may be too expensive or impractical for smaller households. The platform continues refining its approach to balance accessibility with revenue growth, particularly as streaming services face increasing pressure to deliver value amid economic uncertainties.
As the pilot progresses, users worldwide will be watching closely to see if this collaborative subscription model becomes a permanent fixture in YouTube’s Premium lineup.
